London has established itself as a gaming hub in recent years, as it is home to glamorous casinos, interactive experiences, cool eSports venues, and popular gaming festivals and events. However, if this is your first time visiting the Big Smoke, you might be unsure what to do or where to go during your stay.
Don’t waste a single second in the English capital and read the following gamer’s guide to London, which provides a rundown of the best events, experiences, and places to visit.
Try Your Luck at a High-End Casino
If you would happily spend your days playing card and table games online or in person, you will be pleased as punch to learn that London is bursting with glamorous casinos. For example, the Hippodrome Casino is a must-visit, as it is set inside a former Leicester Square theatre. Also, it is almost impossible to be bored across its many floors, as you can take your pick from slot machines, many electronic games, and a dedicated poker room.
A stone’s throw away is the Empire Casino, which is also situated in Leicester Square, offering plenty of table games to keep you busy, such as poker, blackjack, and roulette. You can even familiarise yourself with the rules by playing live roulette or another game online before you visit.
Take Your Pick from Many Gaming Festivals & Events
Passionate gamers would be wise to time their trip for one of the biggest gaming festivals and events in London. For example, it might be wise to wait until October to attend EGX at ExCel London, which typically runs alongside MCM London Comic Con. It is one of the biggest gaming events in the UK, as thousands of visitors attend to view upcoming games, attend live demos and panels, meet innovative game developers, and watch live eSports tournaments and exhibition matches.
Another fantastic event is the London Games Festival, which is typically held in April. It isn’t restricted to one location, as it hosts various fun events across the city. For instance, you can attend the Trafalgar Square Games Festival for live entertainment, fun activities, and cool video games. Also, you will not want to miss its Official Selection Showcase, which shines a spotlight on new and upcoming titles from across the globe, which you can play at various specified venues.
Embrace Immersive Gaming Experiences
Few cities compare to London for immersive gaming experiences. Many venues across the capital have created futuristic experiences to elevate gameplay. For instance, Sandbox VR should be at the top of your itinerary, as you will slip into a haptic suit with a body tracker and motion capture cameras before you are fully immersed into a fun game.
If, however, you prefer to play board games over video games, take yourself along to Monopoly Lifesized. You will enjoy every second of the experience, as you will complete various mental and physical challenges on a life-sized version of the iconic board game, claiming properties along the way. It is an experience you won’t forget.
Visit an eSports Venue in the Capital
The capital provides plenty of opportunities to unleash your competitive side, as it is home to many exciting eSports venues. For instance, you could time your visit for one of the community days at Red Bull Gaming Sphere, as you can participate in various eSports tournaments and competitions alongside like-minded gamers.
If you want to enjoy a drink while you play, Meltdown London is a fantastic spot to visit. It is the first eSports bar in London, where visitors can compete against each other and enjoy live streams of international eSports tournaments.
