Game launches Multiplay Gaming Arena in Manchester

Game has partnered with Overclockers UK and Multiplay to launch what it claims is a 'first of its kind retail experience' aimed at esports and competitive gaming fans.

Opened yesterday in Game's Manchester Trafford Centre store, the Game Multiplay Gaming Arena features 10 gaming PCs built by Overclockers UK and a single virtual reality pod, all available for public use. 'We are enormously excited to be launching our first dedicated, permanent in-store esports and competitive gaming zone, providing a new destination for gamers to come together to watch, play, socialise, discover and shop their favourite games,' crowed Game's marketing and insight director Fred Prego of the opening.

'For years, we’ve been dedicated to providing competitive gaming events for local gamers in our stores. Now, with this first of its kind space, we can take this to the next level - allowing us to deliver a regular programme of bespoke local esports competitions and social gaming events across a wide range of esports and other gaming titles, including Hearthstone, Counter Strike: Global Offensive, League of Legends and Minecraft.'

'Manchester has a strong community of gamers so this is a great place to open our first permanent esports and competitive gaming zone,' added Phil Whitnall, manager of Game's Trafford Centre store. 'There’s nothing like it in the area so we’re excited to become the esports destination for gamers.'

Game has confirmed plans to invite publishers to take advantage of the in-store zone to put on community events and show off their latest titles, but has thus far said nothing about plans or otherwise for launching similar zones in other UK stores.