In South Korea, You Can Rent an Entire Cinema to Play Video Games!

Why settle for tiny phone screens when you can turn a whole cinema into your gaming playground?

In South Korea, some moviegoers can do exactly that — renting out theatres for gaming sessions has become a legit way to enjoy video games with friends, complete with booming sound systems and giant screens. And honestly, it’s as wild as it sounds.

South Korea was one of the first countries the pandemic badly hit in 2020. In return, it did all it could, from rigorous tracking and testing, to suppress COVID-19 cases. While the entire country is still far from total recovery just like much of the world, businesses like cinemas are coming up with unique initiatives to stay afloat. Leading the pack is South Korea’s largest multiplex cinema chain, CJ CGV.

Also read: This Proudly Filipino Video Game Lets You Virtually Solve the Pandemic

Renting out cinemas for gamers

CJ CGV, one of South Korea’s biggest multiplex chains, started letting gamers take over entire auditoriums for private sessions. Up to four people can book a theatre for about US $90 for two hours before 6 pm, with prices going up in the evening. Players bring their own consoles and games, while the cinema provides the sound, lighting, and space for the ultimate private gaming experience.

“When thinking about how to make use of empty cinema spaces, I noticed that games nowadays boast excellent graphics and well-structured stories just like movies. Both have a storytelling aspect to them, so if someone can enjoy watching a film in the cinema, I thought they would also enjoy playing computer games in one,” said CJ CGV employee Seung Woo Han in a BBC interview.

Also read: 7 Online Games You Can Enjoy With Your Friends While Social Distancing

While this idea first made waves in 2021, it wasn’t just a one-off pandemic gimmick. Cinemas in South Korea continue experimenting with interactive and immersive experiences, from live sports and concert broadcasts to unique tech-driven events. The goal? Keep audiences coming back in an era where streaming dominates.

Can the setup work in the Philippines?

The “cinema takeover” concept is the kind of thing that could catch on anywhere, especially in countries with large gaming communities. Imagine pairing the big-screen thrill of your favorite game with the comfort and privacy of a cinema — no siblings fighting for the controller, no laggy Wi-Fi, and definitely no interruptions from family members yelling at you to turn it down.

While the trend hasn’t officially hit the Philippines yet, similar ideas are slowly emerging: drive-in cinemas, float-in cinemas, and even home-turned cinemas in Metro Manila show that locals are hungry for inventive ways to watch (or play) on the big screen. Who knows? A gaming night at a local cinema might just be around the corner.

All images credited to CJ CGV.