The Fun Factory is the best trading card retailer in the area and has an entire wall of "gamer" type board games (think Catan, Ticket to Ride, not Monopoly or Scrabble). There's a small but adequate selection of D&D products and dice as well. I would call ahead if you're looking for something specific. Trading cards are where this shop really shines. Lee, the new owner of about three years, makes big efforts to make sure his inventory is as robust as possible. This is primarily a Magic: the Gathering spot, but The Fun Factory also carries Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokémon, Star Wars and Flesh and Blood sealed product. Singles are overwhelmingly Magic, but there is inventory of most of these other products, as well. For Magic players, there are gameplay events four or more days a week, with Commander gameplay on Tuesdays (casual), Thursdays (Commander Night), as well as FNM and Saturday events. Lee is currently (beginning of 2026) overhauling events to expand options for players. Prices are fair. On par or better than one typically finds at a local game store for both buying and selling. Sealed product is around market rates. Some other, older reviews have indicated that The Fun Factory has higher prices than online retailers, but that's only true to a degree. It isn't really reasonable to expect a small business to match bottom dollar online retailers. Secondly, there's something to be said for being able to hold a card in your hand and inspect it prior to buying, and not having to pay shipping or worrying about your purchase being "lost" in the mail like an online seller. Some of the customers have the sort of hygiene problems that one might expect at a tabletop store, so it can be a little funky during busy events. The store is clean and regular upkeep is done. This is a well-run business, especially among small hobby stores, where it is close to the ceiling of expectations. Reviewer is a regular, longtime customer of the business and perceives that The Fun Factory continues to change for the better, and is particularly improved over the past few years. read more

If you like paying for sky high over priced items like Pokémon, Magic, and there really minuscule Yu-Gi-Oh! Content, also with the creepy stares you get from the main guys in the store when you walk in, and with the musty air you smell when you walk into the store then the "fun factory" is for you. read more

I understand that this guy is trying to run his business but prices his items out $20-30 more than MSRP. Like guy, if I wanted to get finessed by paying over price I would go to eBay or StockX. Claims to be loyal to his community but he's a liar and selfish. Sorry not sorry. read more

It's a great little store to visit if you're interested in card and board games. Dave's prices are a little wonky. I've seen cards that were overpriced by a bit, and cards that were underpriced by a bit. I don't mind it too much. It's still way more convenient than having to order stuff online and wait for them to arrive. I'm not sure why people think Dave is grumpy or unsociable, but he's a great guy and a blast to chat with. I didn't have any idea that he sold records. Even if he does, there are record shops just a short distance from The Fun Factory. If you're looking for records, Dave's place isn't really the best for it. If you're looking for tabletop games, his shop is great. read more

Terrific store with a terrific selection. Dave, the owner, is a wonderful person. He's very loved by the community for good reason! Huge selection of cards and games and a small collection of records. If you're looking for records, RPM is a few miles away. If you're looking for games, cards, or D&D stuff, there's nowhere better in northern MI. read more

Not sure how this place was named. It's for people to come and play games (Magic? Wherever the kids are playing nowadays) at tables and buy junk food and game accessories. I was hoping to check out the records while my kid looked around. The owner did not look happy to see us. Nothing here for younger kids. Records were mostly circa 1985 record collections of pop/rock priced $1-$5 for records no one would want. Anything that looked half-interesting was $15-$30. Forget Jazz or classical. Didn't see the 78s. Records where alphabetical but in boxes in the back. Not worth a stop unless you're into Magic-type card games. No fun. No factory. read more

I've been going to the fun factory for around nine years as of 2018 and the community we have around the fun factory is great we have a mix of really good magic the gathering players as well as some new people and we enjoy helping people get better. While I'm noticing some of the reviews about dave (The Owner) have been negative once you get to know him he's really a great guy. If your looking for a place to learn magic the gathering with other people or are looking to play come on over there is almost always someone there and we have tournament nights for many game styles. read more

Great store! Traverse City is lucky to have a place where everyone is accepted regardless if you are a fan of Magic the Gathering or Pokemon, Comics or records or tabletop games. The owner, Dave, has just the right demeanor and usually throws in an extra something if give him a pitiful look when you cant afford quite all of your hearts desires. He also knows the product, not an easy task with 10's of thousands of cards and games in existence. Thank you Fun Factory! read more

Fun Factory has created a legacy of community for card and board game enthusiasts. They have an excellent selection of board and card games for all ages, curated by the owner. In addition, the owner and his brother have created a safe haven for kids, not just to play card and board games, but as a safe space when you're a kid who needs a community. Our family has been taught our new favorite games at the store before we buy and been given great counsel on games in the store. All prices include tax and may be a tiny bit more expensive than a big box store; but you can feel good supporting Fun Factory and all they provide for young people in the community. read more

As someone who only got into magic and board games a few years ago, I was hesitant to begin going to prereleases and such. However the community in here is fantastic all things considered. Dave (the owner) is a bit blunt, which I actually find refreshing. In a time where there are so many fake smiles and customers yelling to get what they want, it is nice to see that you can actually build have a good relationship with someone being genuine about their business. As a LGS it is always going to cost more than online to buy singles, so complaints about prices are kind of moot. It is how they make their profits, as buying and selling singles is sort of their livelihood. All in all, I love hitting up this place whenever I can get to that side of town. read more

These people don't care about their customers at all and are completely childish! My brother and I stopped there this last weekend so he could check out their Magic the Gathering Tournament, but they did nothing but rip him off. Even though he went undefeated, they refused to let him win since they would rather let a local win. They dropped the official rules and made him go three more rounds where he was knocked out of the game. The winner got an entire booster box, but my brother got nothing. Even after all that bs, the winner opened all his packs and pulled a $400 card. The shop owner told the kid it was only $200, but he would buy it for $80. Not only do they rip off the potential customers from out of town, but they screw the locals over without remorse. Disgusting. read more

I went into this place because I saw a sign that said they had vinyls for sale. When I walked in I was meet by a terrible stench and an instant feeling that I should not be in there. I was directed to the back corner where they kept all of their old records that no one has ever heard of and all the while I was looking through them I just felt gross and sticky just from being in there for too long. The first thing I did when I left was I rushed home to wash my hands and face. So my take on it this "fun factory" is this, don't go there unless you're a middle aged man who likes playing Pokemon card games. read more

I just moved to town and visited this store 3 different times. Each time, a grumpy looking old guy, who I believe is the owner, never even took the time to greet me or look up from his card sorting or reading to acknowledge that I was there. I am a long time magic player and spend TONS of money at local game stores...but I will NOT spend a single dollar with a guy that doesn't respect his customers enough to give them a common courtesy. I know this guy is pretty much the only game in town so maybe he thinks he can just treat people however he wants. Also, his cards are WAAAY over priced. I mean, extremely!! A card you can find online for a dollar he will charge $4 for. Not sure how he justifies a 400% mark up, but the "support you local game store" philosophy only goes so far. Nice, clean store, but still the worst I have ever stepped foot in. read more