Wed. Dec 11th, 2024
Activate

London’s iconic venue, The O2, will host the UK debut of Activate, a revolutionary tech-driven, active gaming attraction. Launching on 16 December 2024, just in time for Christmas, this first-of-its-kind experience will redefine competitive socialising in the UK.

What is Activate?

It is an immersive group gaming attraction combining physical challenges with cutting-edge technology. Originally launched in Canada in 2017, Activate has grown to 32 successful locations across North America and has amassed over 750 million views on social media.

The O2 will be the first UK venue for Activate, covering a massive 10,000 sq ft. Groups of two to five players will navigate 12 interactive game rooms, each offering adrenaline-filled challenges.

Exciting Activate game options

Activate’s nine core games include:

  • Hide: A futuristic take on hide and seek. Teams dodge glowing “eyes” while completing sequences undetected.
  • Trench: Navigate laser mazes and hit glowing targets with beam blasters in this tactical challenge.
  • Mega Grid: Step, dodge, and manoeuvre across 500 LED tiles with light-up wall buttons. Agility is key here.

Other games like Portals, Hoops, and Strike add variety, ensuring every visit is unique and engaging.

The gaming experience

Each game lasts 1–3 minutes, offering fast-paced fun. Participants wear electronic wristbands that track progress, unlocking higher levels and prizes. With over 1,000 levels available, Activate suits all skill levels, making it perfect for families, friends, and corporate outings.

A game-changer for The O2

Activate joins The O2’s thriving Entertainment District, which includes Outlet Shopping and attractions like Mamma Mia! The Party. Brought to the UK by We Do Play, the creators of Boom Battle Bar and Flip Out, Activate marks the start of a planned expansion, with 30 UK locations targeted by 2028.

Richard Beese, co-founder of We Do Play, says, “Activate is set to take the UK by storm, combining interactive tech with physical challenges in a way never seen before.”

Book your session

Bookings open on 4 December. Sessions cost £22.50 per person off-peak and £27.50 during peak times (weekends, holidays, and Fridays after 5 pm). Participants must be aged six or older, but some games may challenge younger children.

For more information and bookings, visit Activate at The O2.

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By Fergus McCarthy

Fergus McCarthy is a seasoned publishing professional with over three decades of experience in the media industry. In 1993, he co-founded Parents News, a pioneering publication aimed at providing busy parents in Southwest London with essential information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly activities. Under his leadership, Parents News quickly expanded its reach from 60,000 to 192,000 monthly printed copies, establishing additional branches in Kent, South London, Northern Ireland, and Cornwall. In 1997, recognizing the potential of digital media, Fergus helped launch Parents News UK Online, which carried digital editions of the printed publication and offered a broader range of national information. The website's popularity soared, attracting up to 700 daily hits at its peak. Although Parents News transitioned to an online-only platform in 2017, Fergus continues to play a vital role as Publisher and Advertising Manager, focusing on providing value to businesses through effective advertorials.

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