‘Like a human-size video game:’ Viral interactive game chain opening first Columbus location this week

Activate, a unique immersive gaming experience billed as a “human-size video game” will open its first Columbus location this weekend.

The concept, which is located at 8735 Lyra Dr., will hold its grand opening on Sept. 14-15, from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Admission (which typically costs $19.99-$24.99) will be free this weekend for Columbus residents. You can reserve a spot here.

While the word “gaming” is often used to describe Activate, it most definitely does not do the experience justice. Visitors (in groups of 2-5) work their way through interactive, three-dimensional atmospheres, relying on both their mental and physical attributes to do so. The rooms are filled with neon light boards, lasers and more. Its Mega Grid room, which you can check out below, recently went viral on TikTok.

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“Enter the game where you become the player in the world’s first active gaming facility. Jump, climb, problem-solve and laugh, as you and your friends move between challenges. Each dynamic game room has interactive technology that reacts in real time, ensuring an adrenaline-filled adventure,” Activate’s website reads.

Activate boasts more than 25 locations in the country that are either currently open or will open soon (with three total in Ohio), in addition to storefronts in Canada, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

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