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exploring its multiple technological, sensory Manchester’s Arcade Arena. This ground- city-centre entertainment districts where
and visual dimensions to give form to light breaking attraction invites participants to music, film, art, gaming and retail expe-
and reveal the invisible. The 15 interactive, step into a life-sized, interactive PAC-MAN riences come to life in new breathtaking
educational and luminous installations maze, blending physical activity with ways courtesy of their unique creative and
transform the Grande Halle de la Villette augmented reality for a fun, multi-sen- technical capabilities. Their first district,
into an extraordinary journey of works, sory adventure. Players wear high-tech Outernet London is located at the intersec-
proving that light is above all a spectacle and PAC-Vests equipped with advanced track- tion of Tottenham Court Road and Charing
a celebration. Initiated and presented by ing technology, allowing them to collect Cross next to Centre Point. Here you’ll find
TETRO, producer of light shows and installa- POWER PELLETS, evade the iconic ghosts; The Now Building and Now Trending, public
tions and co-produced with Encore Produc- BLINKY, PINKY, INKY and CLYDE and galleries featuring giant Ultra HD screens
tions, INTO THE LIGHT: THE EXPO aims to accumulate points across 12 thrilling levels, delivering the most jaw-dropping audio-
offer a unique space where art and culture, as they sprint their way through the maze visual experiences in the world. There is
in all their forms, can be experienced and trying to catch you. Exclusive bonus stages, also a 2,000 capacity state-of the-art
shared by a wide audience. unique to this live experience, challenge and live music venue as well as further music
Türkiye’s largest amusement and water delight both newcomers and long-time fans and retail spaces spread throughout the
park, the Land of Legends, expanded its of the classic arcade game. The Arcade district. Visitors to Outernet can experi-
offerings earlier this year by introducing a Arena features two impressive PAC-MAN ence extraordinary broadcast entertain-
Star Trek: Prodigy-themed attraction and mazes projected onto the floor, with ment, live events, brand launches, product 11
luxury hotel suites. The new experiences dynamic visuals stretching from floor and drops, celebrity moments and a world-class 10. Star Trek
Wild Galaxy,
form part of the park’s newly developed walls, to transport participants directly programme of digital art exhibitions. Nickelodeon Land, Qatar stands on the brink of becom-
Nickelodeon Land. This expansion aims into the nostalgic arcade atmosphere. Immerse LDN is London’s newest enter- Land of Legends, ing a global eSports hub, leveraging
Türkiye
to attract fans of all ages and elevate the In other news from Little Lion Entertain- tainment district for world-class immer- 11. Outernet, the soaring popularity of video game
London, UK
immersive entertainment available in the ment, the UK’s premier immersive attrac- sive experiences and original productions 12. Frameless, tournaments worldwide. Leading this
region, solidifying the park’s status as a key tions company, there has been a major leap across TV, film, music, art and gaming London, UK transformation is VIRTUOCITY, the
13. teamLab
player in the global theme park industry. The forward in its real-world gaming expansion, - all to the backdrop of ExCeL London’s Phenomena, region’s first dedicated digital gaming
Saadiyat Cultural
centrepiece of the Star Trek expansion is the with the recent reveal of a flagship Arcade new waterfront in the Royal Docks. Step District, Abu Dhabi, hub. This innovative arena seamlessly
Star Trek: Wild Galaxy attraction, based on Arena in London, which is set to open in into the heart of everyone’s favourite TV UAE blends the virtual and real worlds to
the Star Trek: Prodigy series. Visitors will early 2026. This landmark project follows show at the UK flagship of The FRIENDS™ create an electrifying competitive
board the fictional USS Aurora for a 5D the runaway success of CHAOS KARTS and Experience: The One In London, with environment. Featuring full-motion
cinematic adventure, offering a 15-minute the PAC-MAN LIVE EXPERIENCE, both of nostalgia-packed recreated sets, iconic racing simulators, a versatile eSports 12
immersive journey through space. The thea- which have redefined the boundaries of backdrops, costumes and props. Back in arena and adventurous escape rooms,
tre is designed to resemble the open back of interactive entertainment. The new London August, the site also launched a new expe- VIRTUOCITY offers a captivating that existence Environmental Phenom- its cutting-edge, interactive social
a starship, allowing guests to feel as though site will not only showcase these guest rience where guests can enter the world digital experience for both teens and ena. The artwork is inseparable from gaming experiences to even more
they are truly traveling through the cosmos. favourites, but will also host the premiere of motorsport with Formula 1®: The Exhi- adults. Its array of interactive attrac- the environment and changes along customers across the Gulf Coopera-
A new immersive experience opened in of the top-secret third game to be launched bition - an interactive journey through the tions pits player against player and with the environment. This concept tion Council (GCC) region. Immersive
Manchester in March, bringing the nostalgia as part of the Arcade Arena concept, extraordinary story of motorsport’s great- team against team, bringing cutting- transcends the various conventional Gamebox offers a one-of-a-kind, inter-
of PAC-MAN to life like never before. Bandai promising to be Little Lion Entertainment’s est spectacle. With more experiences to be edge technology and innovation to the notions of existence by physical forms. active digital gaming experience where
Namco Entertainment, in collaboration most electrifying creation to date. announced, together with a wide variety forefront. As the premier venue for Even if people immerse themselves players can step into a digital world
with Little Lion Entertainment, unveiled Outernet is a global media and enter- of delicious street food at the Waterfront eSports tournaments, VIRTUOCITY physically into the artwork, the artwork without needing VR headsets, creating
the “PAC-MAN LIVE EXPERIENCE” at tainment company that create connected Street Kitchen & Bar, Immerse LDN is the stands at the heart of this thrilling will remain intact, capable of natu- an all-encompassing 360-degree expe-
perfect place for a family day out or group transformation. Derived from the rally restoring itself even if disrupted. rience. This partnership will introduce
10 trip and a must-visit for anyone searching term “virtuosity” as defined by the However, when the environment is not a new era of entertainment in the
for unique things to do in London. Cambridge Dictionary, signifies excep- sustained, the artwork will disappear. GCC, combining Immersive Gamebox’s
Also in London is Frameless, a pioneering, tional skill, often associated with musi- The boundaries of the artwork are revolutionary technology with Apparel
innovative story-telling company that uses the cians, writers, actors and athletes. ambiguous and continuous with the Group’s unparalleled reach and influ-
highest quality projection and digital technol- Embracing this essence, VIRTUOCITY environment, offering something new ence in the region.
ogy, combined with Hollywood-style special strives to deliver a “world-class & to the audience and the industry.
effects to remix, reimagine and reinterpret first-class” immersive attraction expe- Immersive Gamebox (IGB), the 13
stories, pushing the boundaries of creativity rience for gamers. global pioneer in interactive group
to deliver new levels of audience experience Created by teamLab, an international gaming, has announced a multi-mil-
by transporting its visitors to new worlds. art collective, the artworks in team- lion-dollar master franchise agreement
Everything they do is driven by the pursuit of Lab Phenomena within the Saadiyat with Apparel Group, one of the GCC’s
excellence and the desire to create world-class Cultural District, Abu Dhabi in the largest retail operators. This strategic
entertainment. Their multi-award-winning UAE do not exist independently, but partnership will bring IGB’s immersive,
experience at Marble Arch features a stunning are created by the environment which social gaming experiences to high-pro-
30,000sq ft permanent multi-sensory immer- produces the various phenomena that file malls and shopping destinations
sive art experience consisting of four galleries creates the artworks. Situated in a throughout the Gulf Cooperation Coun-
which showcase some of the world’s greatest purpose-built 17,000sq m building, the cil (GCC) region starting this year. This
works of art on a scale and in ways never seen unique setting produces the phenom- strategic partnership marks a major
before. Frameless is transforming how people ena and the environment maintains the milestone in Immersive Gamebox’s
consume and enjoy art, making it accessible to existence of the structure. Let us call global expansion, which is set to bring
all and engaging a modern audience.

82 RETAIL & LEISURE INTERNATIONAL JUNE/JULY 2025