A gaming room went viral on TikTok. Now, there’s a location in Charlotte.

Mari Pressley
·2 min read

A live-action gaming venue with 20 locations across North America and over 57.6 million likes on TikTok, officially opened its first North Carolina location in Charlotte this month.

Activate, touted as the world’s first active gaming facility, promises an “electrifying mix of games that will put your agility and wit to the ultimate test.”

As Activate’s TikTok account has over 1.4 million followers, its most viral video has amassed over 73.7 million views. The TikTok video showcases players in a “the floor is lava” style game, providing viewers with a peek into Activate’s world of high-tech physical gaming.

“Each dynamic game room has interactive technology that reacts in real time, ensuring an adrenaline-filled adventure,” according to Activate’s website.

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With locations in Atlanta, New Jersey, Houston and Chicago, each Activate location offers a variety of gaming rooms with over 700 levels for players to compete and track achievements online.

“Charlotte’s vibrant culture is the perfect match for our physically immersive gaming adventures,” Activate partner Bryce Anderson said in a news release.

Activate, founded in 2019, prides itself as a state-of-the-art gaming facility combining both physical activity and games to create immersive experiences as part of a healthy lifestyle.

“Activate is about igniting that team spirit and passion for fun,” Anderson said in the release. “We’re here to create epic stories, memorable laughs, and to cheer as our guests shatter records. We believe in fun that fuels the soul and games that push you to your playful limits!”

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Here’s what you can expect:

  • Sign up in groups of two to five players.

  • Track progress with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) wristbands to earn points, level up and earn prizes.

  • Play in top gaming rooms such as the TikTok viral Mega Grid with over 500 multi-activated rainbow-colored tiles; Strike, which includes a blasting the beaming bullseye; and the Laser room, where you’ll feel like a modern-day spy.

  • Choose your difficulty levels, which range from Level 1 (easy) to Level 10 (extreme).

  • Play in “cooperative mode” or challenge your friends to “competitive mode” games.

Know Before You Go:

  • Reservations: Book in advance to ensure availability as each game lasts one to three minutes. The full experience will take 75 minutes. Also, remember to complete the safety waiver beforehand.

  • Attire: Wear activewear and flat, closed-toe shoes.

  • Age Requirements: Children 10 and under must be accompanied by a paid adult in gaming rooms. Children ages 11-13 require an adult present at the facility.

  • Hours: Sunday to Thursday from 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-11 p.m.

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ACTIVATE

Location: 1848 Galleria Blvd Suite 9B, Charlotte, NC, 28270

Instagram: @activategames