How to Harness the Power of Competitive Socialising at Your Venue

Competitive socialising isn’t just a passing trend, it’s a new genre of entertainment.

That said, social gaming isn’t a new concept, (shoutout to dart boards, pool tables and skittle alleys) which still draw in the punters, but today’s audiences crave something more electrifying, something with a technology twist that keeps them coming back for more.

So, how can you harness this trend and turn your venue into the ultimate competitive socializing hotspot?

Pick Your Game: Choose Wisely, My Friend

First things first: you need to know your crowd. Are they all about that nostalgia? Retro arcade games might be right up their alley. Or maybe they prefer a more chill, laid-back vibe—think shuffleboard or darts. Or are they a trendy bunch looking for the next TikTok sensation? Have you heard about The ARENA? The key is to choose games that not only fit your space but also resonate with your audience.

Market differentiation is everything, so pick games that set you apart from the competition and make your venue the go-to spot for social gaming.

Create Themed Nights: Make It a Thing

Everyone loves a good theme night, and it’s a perfect way to create a buzz around your venue. How about a weekly tournament or a retro evening? Themed nights give people something to look forward to and can quickly become a staple of your venue’s identity. It’s all about building anticipation and making your place the hottest spot in town.

Offer Prizes and Bragging Rights: Let the Games Begin

Nothing gets people fired up like the chance to win something—no matter how big or small. Prizes could be anything from a free drink to a discount on their next visit, or even a silly trophy that gives them bragging rights. The promise of a reward adds an extra layer of excitement and keeps the competition fierce (but friendly, of course).

Promote, Promote, Promote: Get the Word Out

Your social media channels are your best friends here. Use them to share photos and videos of people enjoying the games, announce upcoming tournaments and engage with your followers. Creating a community around your venue is crucial for building loyalty and keeping people coming back for more. The more you promote, the more buzz you create—and that means more people walking through your doors.

Create a Killer Atmosphere: Set the Vibe

Atmosphere is everything. Lighting, music and decor all play a crucial role in setting the right mood. You want your venue to be the place where people can’t help but have a good time. Keep the energy high, the vibes good and the games rolling, and you’ll have a crowd that can’t wait to come back.

Go Global: Connect and Compete Across the World

Why stop at just your local crowd? By connecting your venue with others around the world in real-time, you can create global competitions where players can compete to beat high scores and set world records. This kind of connectivity not only adds a whole new level of excitement but also serves as a killer marketing initiative. Imagine being the venue that holds the record for the highest score in a global competition—talk about a point of differentiation!

Leverage Technology: Enhance, Don’t Overwhelm

Technology isn’t here to take over the traditional gaming experience—it’s here to enhance it. We’re all about blending high-tech with the classic games people love. Whether it’s automating score tracking, introducing new games within the traditional framework or extending the duration of a game to keep players entertained for longer, technology should add to the enjoyment without making it feel too high-tech. The goal is to keep the experience immersive and fun, with the tech seamlessly integrated into the background.

Keep It Fresh: Update and Evolve

No one likes a stale game night. That’s why we design all our gaming solutions to be easy to update with fresh overlays and new features. Whether it’s adding a seasonal twist for Christmas or Halloween, or rolling out new games to keep the excitement alive, the idea is to always have something fresh on offer. This keeps the experience evolving and ensures your venue remains a top choice for entertainment all year round.

Ready to Get Started?

Competitive socialising is more than just a trend—it’s a game-changer for your venue. Whether you’re looking to bring in new customers, keep your regulars entertained, or simply shake things up, embracing this genre of entertainment can take your business to the next level.

Want to learn more about how we can help you harness the power of competitive socialising? Get in touch with our team today!