A guide to the Manchester gaming scene
Manchester has long been one of the top cities in the north, and possibly the UK, for gamers and gaming enthusiasts to live, visit or hang out. It’s hardly surprising, as Manchester has long been attuned to the importance of all forms of popular culture and prides itself on being both a trailblazer in terms of new trends and a place where history is understood, respected and preserved. Mix a young, or young at heart, populace that is hip, hedonistic and eclectic in its tastes with a deep-rooted entrepreneurial spirit and you’ll understand why Manchester is home to some of the UK’s leading games developers as well as games-themed venues and bars.
Gameopolis
From the Industrial Revolution to the Digital Revolution, Manchester has embraced the transformative potential of new technology. In the 19th century, the city was nicknamed ‘Cottonopolis’ for its mill-based economy, but now it’s home to the Gameopolis Network, which is hoping to turn Manchester into the gaming centre of the UK. Working with local businesses and games developers, Gameopolis organises events, promotes the Greater Manchester video game industry, and generally acts as a focal point for computer gaming in the region.
It’s also worth noting that over the past six years, Manchester has played host to Play Expo, one of the world’s biggest gaming conventions.
Gamers Unite
The other big organisation locally is Manchester Gamers Unite, which has been bringing together players, enthusiasts, designers and industry figures to play, party, network and collaborate since 2016. The collective has gone virtual for the duration of the pandemic but is still very much active. Gamers waiting for the world to open up again can entertain themselves with the best mobile casinos, where a wide choice of slots and table games are available to play on your phone or tablet wherever you are, any time of the day or night.
Places to play
Anyone heading to the Trafford Centre should check out Namco Funscape, which includes a selection of arcade machines alongside pool, bowling, dodgems and the VR Starship, which has over 50 different ride simulations. While you’re in the area, head over to the Belong Manchester Swarm eSports Arena, where you can support your local pro gamers, or book a session with your friends to do battle over Xbox or PlayStation consoles and state-of-the-art gaming computers.
Over at the Arndale Centre, the latest attraction is the Electric Gamebox, an interactive gaming emporium with 10 rooms of fully immersive video games. Players wear lightweight visors with trackers and the games are projected onto the walls. You interact using motion-sensor and touchscreen technology in a choice of four different adventures.
Deeper and further
If you want to go even deeper into VR gaming, book a session at Virtual Hideout on Church Street. Here, there are over 100 games and experiences to try out, with a friendly host who will tailor your room-scale adventure to your wants and requirements.
Further afield, we can’t not mention the original Arcade Club over in Bury. With three floors of vintage and modern arcade machines, plus food and drink available, it’s gaming heaven. Book online for guaranteed entry: ticket tiers include child, adult and family options, and once you’re in, all the games are free to play.
As Europe’s largest video arcade, the Arcade Club includes hundreds of games and attractions, including original restored machines going back to the 1970s, the pinball wall and the Bemani Battleground, dedicated to Japanese dance games.
Bars and cafés
17 Below is a popular cocktail bar at 17 Bow Lane. Open from 5pm Wednesday to Saturday, 17 Below has a selection of free retro arcade games to match the retro music and décor, competing with the full-size pool tables as the venue’s gaming activity of choice.
If board games are more your thing, Hold Fast is a nautical-themed cocktail bar in the Northern Quarter that has a great selection of old-school games available to play while you eat and drink. The same can be said of Fab Café, and this cult TV and movie-themed bar also hosts Gaming Tuesdays, when the boards are joined by card and console games. The second and fourth Tuesdays of the month are given over to games of Magic: The Gathering for regulars and newcomers alike.
Whether you’re hoping to work in the games industry, want to meet like-minded enthusiasts, or just want a chance to enjoy gaming as part of a night out, there’s no better place to be than Manchester. From casinos to consoles, the Rainy City is a player’s paradise.