Gaming Zones: A new thrill for young Kanpurites

Kanpurites are constantly seeking new ways to add excitement to their lives, and the latest trend catching on is the growing popularity of hi-tech gaming zones and trampoline centres. These spaces, once considered the domain of children, are now attracting young adults and professionals eager to unwind and inject some thrill into their routines.A growing trend among the youth“Gaming zones are rapidly becoming popular among youngsters and young professionals,” says Hari Shankar Gupta, owner of Hail Mogambo, a popular gaming zone in the city. “It’s no longer just a place for kids. Now, young Kanpurites are flocking to these zones for entertainment and the thrill of immersive, high-tech games.” Gupta adds that after the successful launch of a gaming zone in a local mall a few years ago, they expanded with a multi-storey centre in another busy part of the city.What sets these gaming zones apart is the availability of virtual reality experiences that transport players into different worlds. “Whether it’s racing, arcade, or shooting games, the realism captivates players and keeps them coming back. Many young professionals have told me they feel relaxed and rejuvenated after playing,” he shares.A perfect stress-buster for professionalsFor those caught up in the grind of corporate life, gaming zones provide the perfect escape. Sandeep Jain, owner of Crazy Crowd, another popular gaming centre, explains, “After a hectic day at work, young professionals want a way to de-stress, and gaming zones offer just that. The adrenaline rush from these games helps them unwind and break the monotony of daily life. I’ve noticed several customers visit regularly just to recharge themselves.”Companies encouraging gaming as team bondingBusinesses in Kanpur are also catching onto this trend. Shailendra Rathore, who runs a software development company, says, “We work long hours and use a lot of mental energy. It leaves my team drained. To combat this, I’ve gotten memberships for my entire team at a gaming zone. Every weekend, we head there to relax and recharge.”This practice has gained popularity as a way to foster team bonding and relaxation, helping professionals step away from work and refresh their minds.Going to a night party isn’t always an option since my parents won’t allow it. So, I prefer heading to a gaming zone with my friends. It’s just as much fun, if not more – Ananya Shukla, college studentParties can get boring sometimes. You can only drink and dance, but there’s no real activity that helps you unwind. I find gaming zones much more entertaining. Virtual action games, high-speed bike racing, and motor racing simulations are far more thrilling than spending the night at a club – Manas Jaiswal, a professional in the FMCG sector