One of a Kind
Like most of the best things this world has to offer, there’s only one. Yup, back in March 2015, the first and only National Videogame Arcade was launched in our hometown, enabling us to dive into the wonderful world of gaming without stepping foot out of Hoodtown. The five story building is ram-packed with brand new tech and old school games, and you won’t find ote like it anywhere else.
TOAST Bar
Specialising in the late night snack and week before pay day lunch, the NVA’s TOAST Bar brings you endless possibilities of the bread variety. You can keep it simple with a little bitta butter, or play the ultimate cool card and bag yoursen a mushroom and rocket pizza toastie. Of course, you can get your game on while you power up, or pull up a pew on the roof terrace should the sun decide to shine.
Pokemon Slow
Hundreds of paper Pokemon have been snaffled away all over the five floors. No need for a smart phone to play this, and if you find all six characters you can claim a prize of free, ‘rare’ candy. It’s not rare, but it is candy. There’s loads more Pokemon-based madness going on throughout the summer too.
Monday 22 - Sunday 28 August
GameCity Festival
Celebrating it’s tenth year last year, this is gonna be a celebration of all things gaming; from world class developers to local teenagers just starting in the game world. Virtual reality, Mario Musicals, and game changers with City of Football. There’s always some sort of madness going down.
Monday 24 - Saturday 29 October
Birthdays
The venue that gives just keeps on giving. And if you’re lucky enough to be the birthday boy or girl, having your shindig at the NVA couldn’t be a better idea. For just over a tenner, you and all your big kid mates can swan about the place at your own leisure, and tuck into a personalised birthday cake. If you’re really good, they’ll even give you a party bag…
Poet in Residence
It ain’t all about fast graphics down on Carlton Street. The top tech building has got itsen a poet-in-residence, in the form of Abigail Parry. Having ran away with the circus, Ms Parry began crafting her own circus toys – everything from hula hoops to fire equipment. That allowed her to save up enough dollar to do a PhD in poetry, and take on the challenge of writing beautiful poetry, all while holed up in the Carlton Street venue.
Completathon
Catering to your niche talents, the NVA’s monthly event asks those of you who fancy yourselves as masters in the art of gaming to come with an army of your mates and take on the challenge of completing the mystery game. It’s completely free to enter, and you’ll win mega prizes if you’re crowned champions.
Our interview with NVA's bosses Iain Simons and Jonathan Smith
National Videogame Arcade website
National Videogame Arcade on Facebook
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