Fun seekers flock to Metrocentre as UK’s newest immersive active gaming experience opens

Activate, the UK’s newest immersive competitive socialising experience, opened at Metrocentre this weekend, welcoming hundreds of fun seekers through its doors. 

Following the runaway success of its UK launch at The O₂ in London, which welcomed more than 50,000 visitors in its first six weeks and quickly became the top-performing Activate venue globally, Activate is now bringing its high-energy, tech-led group gaming experience to the North East.

Activate invites thrill-seekers to jump, climb, and problem-solve in real-time interactive game rooms. Featuring 12 cutting-edge spaces and nine immersive game types – including Laser, Mega Grid, Hoops, Portals and more – groups of two to five can take on challenges across various difficulty levels in a dynamic, adrenaline-fuelled adventure.

“We are beyond excited to bring Activate to Metrocentre,” said Rich Beese, Co-Founder of We Do Play, the experiential leisure group behind Activate UK. “After the incredible reception we had at The O2, Metrocentre was the obvious next step. It’s a leading leisure destination and the perfect setting to continue our UK expansion. The opening weekend has been a great success, and we welcomed hundreds of families, friends, and fun lovers through the doors of Activate at Metrocentre. Opening on 19 July is the perfect timing for the long school summer holidays too.”

We Do Play has a track record of launching hugely successful entertainment experiences in the UK, including Flip Out and Putt Putt Social. The group also founded the Boom Battle Bar brand.

Part of Metrocentre’s thriving leisure line-up – alongside established operators such as Treetop Golf, Clip ‘n Climb and Namco Funscape – Activate will offer a unique new experience for the region.

Gavin Prior, Centre Director at Metrocentre, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Activate to Metrocentre, adding a bold new experience to our entertainment mix. This immersive, live-action gaming attraction invites guests to jump, shoot, climb and crawl their way to victory—bringing high-energy fun that perfectly complements our diverse retail and leisure offering. We look forward to the excitement Activate will bring to Metrocentre.”

Originally launched in Canada in 2017, Activate has grown into a global sensation with 60 locations across Canada, the US, and Dubai, and over 750 million social media views. The brand’s UK rollout continues apace, with new venues planned in Leicester and Oxford Street, London, later this year.

For more information, visit: playactivate.co.uk/newcastle-metrocentre