From office parties to wedding evening receptions, a retro gaming lounge gives guests a reason to laugh, compete and talk. Here's how to plan one that works.
There is a particular kind of joy that comes from picking up a joypad you last held twenty years ago. A retro gaming lounge taps straight into it, and it works for guests of almost any age. Here is how to get the most from one at your event.
Why Retro Gaming Works
Nostalgia is a powerful icebreaker. Colleagues who barely speak in meetings end up cheering each other on over a round of an old racing game, and wedding guests from different sides of the family find common ground over a shared favourite console.
Games are also easy to pick up. There are no complicated rules to explain, and people can drop in and out without disrupting the flow of the event.
What a Lounge Typically Includes
A well-planned lounge combines several elements:
Choosing the Right Setup for Your Event
**Corporate events:** Team challenges and leaderboards turn gaming into a light-hearted competition. A lounge works well at summer parties, Christmas events, conferences and away days where you want people to mix across departments.
**Weddings:** An evening reception is the ideal moment. Once the formalities are done, a gaming lounge gives guests something to do between the speeches, dinner and dancing, and keeps younger guests happily occupied.
**Private parties:** Milestone birthdays and anniversaries thrive on a nostalgic theme. Pick games from the decade you are celebrating for a personal touch.
Space and Power Requirements
Plan roughly the floor area of a small classroom for a mid-sized lounge, with space to stand around each cabinet. You will need standard power sockets nearby and a level, dry floor. Indoor venues are ideal, though covered areas work too. Share your venue details with us early and we can confirm what fits.
Tips for Getting It Right
Booking Timeline
Popular dates, especially December and summer weekends, book up well ahead. We recommend enquiring as soon as your date and venue are confirmed so you have the widest choice of equipment.
Get in Touch
Ready to bring your event to life? We'd love to hear about it.
**Call us:** 0800 112 5013
**Email:** [email protected]
**Head Office:** 128 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX
Or send us an enquiry and we'll come back to you within a few hours.
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