Whether you are trying to find a place to get away from it all and just enjoy getting lost in your favorite game, or simply want to challenge your gaming skills against others who think they are just as good as you, it can be difficult to find a group of people that you feel comfortable with or that offers all that you are looking for. Below is a small list of area groups or places to go to experience all that you need when it comes to socializing in the game world.

Started in 2006, the Puget Sound Gamers, located in Lakewood, is a large group of gamers that meet at different locations to play table top games such as: Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, D20 Gaming, and Wizards of the Coast Miniatures Games. Whether it s table-top miniature games, or role playing, this is the place to go for those who want to share their hobbies with those who have the same interests. In order to participate in the Puget Sound Gamers group, you must be a member by signing up here.

Play N Trade, located in the Lincoln plaza next to Quiznos at 2505 S. 38th St. in Tacoma, offers new game events every Saturday night, starting at 5 p.m., where they will hook up their Xbox 360s to play a variety of games, such as Call of Duty 4, Halo 3, ODST Firefight, or one that you bring from home.  Just bring your favorite multiplayer games and a hard drive or memory unit, along with your gametag if you want to play online or earn achievements. For more information, call 253.474.PLAY.

Whether you are new to the game world, or a hard-core gamer, Gameworks in Seattle offers something for everyone. You will find dozens of ways to test your skills on their many interactive games, simulators, and attractions, as well as darts and pool. Gameworks is open to all, whatever your party size, whether for a child’s birthday party or a company function, they are happy to do all of the work to ensure you have all of the fun without having to stress about doing all of the work.  For more information, call 206.521.0952.

Other Web sites to check out for local game meet ups are:

meetup.com/AnimeEast/ is located in  Renton, and meets to play Anime, Sake, video games, and Dance Dance Revolution.

meetup.com/SeattleSmashBrothers/ is located in Seattle, and meets to play video games, Nintendo, Playstation, and Super Splash Brothers.

meetup.com/RockbandGuitarHero/ is located in Tacoma, and meets primarily to play Rockband and Karaoke.

meetup.com/EXT-Eastside-X-Box-360-Troup/ is located in Bothell, and meet once a month to play Xbox, video games, Halo, Wii, PS3, Xbox 360, and all of the old school games.