Last year the innovative experience Immersive Gamebox arrived in Shoreditch. Immediately grabbing the attention of seasoned gamers and digital tech enthusiasts, the venue has grown in popularity and earned rave five-star reviews.
Visitors can choose from over a dozen games including experiences inspired by the film Ghostbusters and the dark TV drama Black Mirror. However, one of its popular experiences is its take on Netflix’s Squid Game which spawned the hugely popular Squid Game: The Challenge game show.
An Evolving Gaming Landscape
Immersive, interactive gaming is on the rise – you only have to look at how many Escape Rooms now exist. Ten years ago, there were a handful. Today there are around 1,500. More significantly, these games combine the UK’s love of game shows into unique experiences.
The Cube and The Crystal Maze are two of the most popular to be adapted, with venues in both London and Manchester. This trend can be seen elsewhere too. Xbox owners can play video game adaptations of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Online casinos have also moved beyond poker, roulette, and blackjack to incorporate live casino game shows like Deal or No Deal: First Person and Treasure Island. These are hosted by professional presenters in real-time, bridging the gap between TV game shows and the online casino, and creating a far more participatory and authentic experience.
A Meeting Between Social Interactivity and Digital Tech
Co-founder and CEO of Immersive Gamebox Will Dean says the company’s approach is unique in its combination of social interaction and digital tech. Its growth is the result of a successful strategy focused on transforming retail spaces into vibrant entertainment hubs. Indeed, over one million people have played its games since its inception worldwide.
The fact it has eyes on another 10 venues by 2025 is a reflection of its commercial achievements and the growth of alternative gaming experiences. Located at Brookfield Properties’ Principal Place, visitors choose the game they want to play and get sixty minutes to complete it. During which time they actively interact with their environment through the use of various technologies including touchscreens, projection mapping, 3D motion tracking, and surround sound.
Immersion is vital to stand out. For example, an increasing number of games for consoles like Xbox are utilising VR headsets. And joysticks and other hardware for specific games like Microsoft’s Flight Simulator are enhancing the experience further.
Other examples include, in 2022, The Gunpower Plot, a ninety-minute VR experience that incorporated live theatre and starred actor Rob Felton as Guy Fawkes. Elsewhere, Hasbro and The Path Entertainment Group created Monopoly Lifesized in which players stand inside the much-loved game, playing on a life-size 4D board and taking part in various challenges and games.
There’s More to Come From the World of Interactive Gaming
The success of Immersive Gamebox in Shoreditch underscores the undeniable interest and demand for enhanced gaming experiences. Moreover, the convergence of traditional game show formats with social gaming experiences signifies a broader trend towards more engaging and participatory entertainment. From adaptations of beloved TV shows like The Cube and The Crystal Maze to innovative online casino game shows, the appetite for realism in entertainment is clear.
