Gaming zone for corporate events: which console to pick

More and more companies are setting up a gaming zone for corporate events at trade shows, conferences and team parties: a corner with a big screen, a couple of controllers and a short round that anyone can jump into without instructions. It works because it doesn't ask for time or prior skill: visitors sit down, play for a couple of minutes and walk away smiling, while the rest of the group watches and cheers from outside.

In this guide we go through the video games for events we have available, which occasion each one suits best, and what to keep in mind before booking. If you'd rather browse everything first, take a look at our full catalogue of games for events and come back to this guide afterwards.

What's included in a gaming zone for your event?

Every station in our gaming zone for corporate events arrives fully set up: console, screen, spare controllers and a stand or unit built to withstand continuous use at a busy trade show booth or staff party. Your team doesn't need to configure anything or worry about loose cables: everything is ready to switch on the moment the event starts.

The game library is already installed and chosen so rounds stay short and visual: football, racing, fighting or multiplayer party games that work just as well with a twenty-year-old crowd as with executives who haven't touched a controller in a decade. You can set up a single station in a quiet corner or combine several for a full corporate video game tournament with a leaderboard and a final prize.

PlayStation 5: the console everyone already knows

Of the three options, PlayStation 5 for events needs the least introduction: almost every visitor already knows what it is and what to do with a controller in their hands. That makes it the safest choice for a trade show booth, where you don't have time to explain rules and need people to jump in without a second thought.

Football and racing games work best in event format: two- or three-minute rounds, a clear on-screen score and the option to run a quick lightning tournament between visitors or between departments within the company.

Xbox Series X: a station that carries your brand too

The Xbox Series X station is built on a unit designed to carry your company's branding, so besides being a play area it becomes another advertising surface inside your booth. It's especially useful at trade shows where every square metre counts and you want everything you set up to also work as a showcase for your brand.

For the player, the experience is very similar to PlayStation in quick football or racing rounds, so the choice between the two consoles usually comes down to that customisable unit rather than the game library itself.

Rock Band: when gaming turns into a show

Rock Band changes the format completely: instead of one player facing a screen, it turns four colleagues into a full band, with two guitars, an electronic drum kit and a microphone, while the lyrics and notes appear on a big screen so everyone can follow along.

It's the game that draws the biggest crowd without anyone having to play: people stop to watch and laugh before the song even starts. That's why this musical video game for corporate events works better at a staff party or a team building day than at a trade show booth, where each visitor's time and the available space tend to be tighter.

Which console should you choose for your event?

There's no single answer: it depends on how much time each visitor has, whether you're after a show or fast rotation, and whether the station itself needs to carry your company's branding.

• Trade shows and booths: PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, for quick rounds that anyone can jump into without explanation.
• Brand activations: Xbox Series X, thanks to the customisable unit that turns the station into an advertising surface.
• Staff parties and team building: Rock Band, because it creates a show and group participation, not just for whoever is playing.
• Conferences and break-out areas: a quiet PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X station, for casual rounds between sessions.

Many companies, in fact, combine two or three options at the same event: a fast-rotation zone for the bulk of visitors and a show-stopping point, like Rock Band, reserved for the busiest moments.

Space, power and on-site technicians

Before booking your video game zone for events, it helps to be clear on the following:

• Each station needs clear space for the screen, the console and two or three onlookers, besides the player itself.
• All consoles run on a standard socket; if you're setting up several stations together, let us know in advance so we can plan the power outlets properly.
• Our own technical staff handle setup and teardown, and stay on site during the event in case anything needs attention.

Customise your gaming zone with your brand

All of these options can be adapted to your company's image: from the vinyl wrap on the Xbox unit to the start screen players see, or the small prizes you hand out to whoever joins in. You can see every option on our custom branding page.

Frequently asked questions about video games for events

How long does a typical round last?

Between two and five minutes on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, designed so plenty of visitors can rotate through. A Rock Band song runs a little longer, between three and five minutes.

Do players need previous experience?

No. We choose games and difficulty levels so anyone can enjoy their first round without long instructions.

Can you set up a tournament between teams?

Yes, it's one of the most requested team building activities: we organise brackets or short rounds and keep a visible scoreboard throughout the event.

How many stations do I need for my event?

It depends on the number of attendees and whether you want constant rotation or just a one-off entertainment point; we help you work it out when preparing your proposal.

How much does setting up a gaming zone cost?

It depends on the duration, the number of stations and whether you combine several consoles; ask for a no-obligation quote and tell us about your event.

If you want to set up a gaming zone at your next event, tell us about your event and we'll help you pick the combination of consoles that best fits your audience and your space.