Astoria Unveils Gaming City: A Thrilling Fusion of Virtual Adventures and Timeless Arcades!

Jan. 3, 2025 By Shane O’Brien

Are you prepared for some fun?

An innovative gaming center and arcade is set to launch in Astoria next week, showcasing numerous cutting-edge 4 and 5D arcade games.

Gaming City is expected to open its doors at 36-10 31st St. by Friday, Jan. 10, occupying a newly built 6,500-square-foot retail area. The venue is situated just steps from the 36th Avenue Station on the N/W subway line.

This arcade and gaming facility is a collaborative effort by Q and Howard, two friends who preferred not to reveal their last names. It features numerous machines and gaming areas suitable for individuals of all ages.

The establishment offers a contemporary twist on the traditional arcade, featuring 4 and 5D enhancements on popular arcade games, such as first-person shooters and target shooting. Additionally, the driving games in the arcade are equipped with seats that move as players navigate through the course, necessitating that participants be securely fastened as they race against their peers.

Gaming City also features three engaging gaming rooms, enabling large groups to participate in various game modes and challenges, including a version of the “Red Light, Green Light” game from the acclaimed Netflix series “Squid Game,” located in the arcade’s first interactive virtual reality gaming room, which includes four projectors, three cameras with multiple sensors, and a radar sensor on the floor.

Another interactive gaming room features a “dancing grid,” which requires players to navigate around a dynamic dance floor while evading quickly moving red tiles.

“Eye in the Sky,” positioned in the third interactive virtual reality gaming room, necessitates players to move quietly and press various buttons throughout the space while evading the watchful gaze of a constantly shifting eye.

Additionally, Gaming City offers two virtual reality gaming chairs that enable players to wear VR headsets and engage in a range of challenges.

The arcade also includes several classic games, such as punching bags, hammer strength games, basketball pop-a-shot, claw machines, and dart boards. Its air hockey table features game modes that introduce multiple pucks into the game simultaneously.

It also features a virtual reality version of the popular carnival game Spray & Race, allowing players to shoot water cannons at an interactive display in the arcade.

Entry for a single player to the arcade will be priced at $31.99 for one hour and $53.99 for two hours. This grant includes access to all games and interactive spaces within the arcade, excluding claw machines.

Pricing for children aged six and under begins at $20.99 for one hour and $34.99 for two hours, while two different family packages permit two adults and two children to enter Gaming City for $99.99 and two adults and three children for $119.99.

As part of the grand opening festivities, every customer who visits Gaming City in the first month will receive five complimentary tokens for the arcade’s claw machines.

Q stated that capacity will be limited to 50 visitors per hour to ensure guests can access as many games as possible, and mentioned that a party area will also be launching at Gaming City soon.

The center will operate seven days a week, initially opening from noon until 10 p.m., although Q mentioned that the hours might adjust based on customer demand.

Q, who secured the location roughly six months ago, expressed that he has always desired to establish a gaming facility in New York City, stating that Gaming City will provide a fresh form of entertainment for both adults and children, particularly during the chilly and dark winter months. He also highlighted that the venue offers an opportunity for local community members to connect and noted that several of the virtual reality games involve physical activity, motivating people to stay active in the New Year.

“We need this,” Q expressed. “We need options that people can engage in while also burning calories and improving fitness.”

Q indicated that Gaming City will maintain a staff of approximately 10 individuals at all times, encouraging staff members to “have fun” while working by assisting guests in learning how to play the various games throughout the arcade.

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