Whenever a new trend emerges in popular culture, people find a way to gather together to share in the experience of enjoying it. From the ancient Greek Olympics to the viral trends that spread around the globe via social media, the urge to share in leisure activities has always been a part of human history.

This has resulted in a number of the most popular leisure activities we enjoy today, from the global football leagues to international film festivals, all designed to celebrate human endeavour. The development and proliferation of the internet have made it easier than ever before for like-minded individuals to find one another and this is reflected in the way we spend our free time.

Those that like games have always been ahead of the curve when it comes to organising themselves, and this is just as true when it comes to finding places to enjoy their favourite games. Some of the top places to enjoy gaming include:

Board games cafes

People who love board games are more aware than most of the importance of meeting in person with like-minded enthusiasts. Many games are best when played with a larger group, and even the most dedicated gamers only have so much storage space, so gaming cafes were born. 

From boutique coffee shops with a choice of favoured games to nationwide chains offering a wide selection of the most popular games, there are an increasing number of places encouraging gamers through their doors. Many board games cafes host special events such as tournaments and watch parties, making them the perfect place for a gamer to frequent.

Cafes such as this combine cafe culture with the appeal of a pub, offering a welcoming place for gamers to enjoy the fun of gaming in good company until the small hours.

Casinos

Those that enjoy traditional casino games have been gathering in gaming houses since the first one was founded in 1638 in Venice. While the Ridotto was only frequented by the richest noblemen of the time, the casino scene has become a lot more accessible over recent years and there are now casinos offering fun experiences for anyone that enjoys games of chance. 

Casinos offer a number of popular favourites, including:

  • Poker
  • Blackjack
  • Craps
  • Baccarat
  • Slots
  • Roulette 

These games have become even more popular since they found a fanbase online with players enjoying games such as starburst slots on sites such as Virgin Games. Players can hone their skills online before taking to the casino floor to enjoy the excitement of playing in person. 

Video game arcades

Since the early days of video gaming, players have always wanted to get together to test their skills against one another. Before the internet became widely available, this was only possible in person, and it spawned an entire industry producing arcade machines designed to allow fans to play together.  

Some of the most popular games in the world started off as arcade games, with fans from all over the world coming together to try and take the top spot. Today, retro gaming is a huge phenomenon, with players competing in some of the most iconic games of the 80s and 90s as well as new games that have been designed with 21st-century players in mind.

As gaming has become more mainstream and the equipment more accessible, the array of consoles, games, and equipment has broadened dramatically. A gaming arcade is the ideal place to try old favourites in new formats and discover new games that have that traditional appeal.

Esports Studios

Although most of us think of esports as one of the most recent additions to the world of gaming, but as long as there have been video games, people have wanted to play them together. Indeed, when one of the earliest video games, SpaceWar! Was first developed in 1962, it was only ten years before the first video gaming tournament was organised to allow players to pit their skills against one another.  

The concept of esports may be more than fifty years old, but the vast events that see today’s elite gamers pitting their wits against one another are a relatively recent phenomenon. For those that don’t want to compete on the international stage, there are esports studios that provide an opportunity to play for cash prizes among other competitive gamers. 

Whatever type of game you are into and however you want to spend your free time, you can find the perfect gaming venue to suit you. You can meet with friends to settle old scores, join specific teams to pool your knowledge and experience, or go it alone and find out if you have what it takes to make it in the increasingly fascinating world of gaming.