Manchester Airport has introduced a gaming zone at its Terminal 1 to entertain passengers before they board their flights.
‘Gaming Point’, located after security at T1, features gaming PCs loaded with the likes of Fortnite, Red Dead Redemption 2, Among Us, Hogwarts Legacy, Minecraft, and Rocket League, as well as a Nintendo Switch.
The Steam PC network used at the site means that guests can continue their progress on games played at home, and can also play with or against other players online.
Passengers feeling the need for speed can also try out the Formula 1 simulator, complete with a steering wheel and pedals.
The site also features a virtual reality escape room, with a range of games and headsets, so you can experience another world ahead of travelling to your destination.
Prices for a gaming session start from £7.50 for 30 minutes, but vary depending on the experience. For instance, 45 minutes in the VR escape room starts from £30 for a single headset and goes up to £125 for private access with up to four people.
The airport recommends passengers book ahead of time, but says that walk-ins will be accepted if there’s space. Note that age restrictions apply to particular games.
Richard Jackson, Manchester Airport’s retail director, commented:
“It’s a really fun attraction for gamers and non-gamers alike, with a VR escape room, F1 simulator and gaming PCs, consoles and more. It means that if you’re a fan of computer games you’ll be able to come in and log on to play your favourite games like Fortnite and Among Us. But even if you’re not, it gives a chance to enjoy a new and unique experience while you wait for your flight.”
Graeme Stewart, director of Gaming Point, added:
“I am thrilled to open Gaming Point at Manchester Airport – a first-of-its-kind for UK airports and a concept that truly provides a fun, and innovative experience for passengers to enjoy in Terminal 1.
“Excitingly, with the range of gaming options we have, there is something for every type of gamer! Our innovative space is designed to transform the time before boarding into an exciting part of the travel experience and giving passengers the chance to try something they’ve never experienced.”
The airport also recently announced plans to reopen its private terminal which had been mothballed since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Manchester Airport’s PremiAir private terminal to reopen as ‘aether’
