Worcester might not be the biggest city in the UK, but we don’t let that hold us back from progress.
Whether looking at culture, arts, or technology, our humble city has proven it can perform with the best of them.
Today, we want to explore how the new generation of digital interactive entertainment affects Worcester, and the different shapes it can take. From single-player experiences to group activities and ways to stay fit, there’s more on offer here than the unfamiliar might think.
Going Solo
Playing games for fun alone isn’t new, but what is new is just how accessible online titles can be from practically anywhere in Worcester. Consider slot games like Rainbow Riches as an example. This 20-payline slot first launched in 2009, where it was commonly played on desktops. Now updated to HTML 5, it’s been adapted to smartphones and tablets too. This means anywhere in Worcester that has a 4G connection, which is practically everywhere, will let you take a spin. From your bath to out in the countryside resting from a walk, solo gameplay via mobile has expanded massively in a short time, and it’s only improving.
“Woman waiting and playing on her phone” (CC BY 2.0) by Rawpixel Ltd
Playing Together
As with solo gaming adventures, playing online from home computers or consoles has been possible for years. Playing together with interactive entertainment is much more fun when physically together, however, and modern Worcester provides some exciting ways to explore these possibilities.
A big standout that we’ve enjoyed is a new generation of video gaming bars like the All Systems Go eSports Bar. Offering a huge collection of gaming PCs and a few Nintendo Switches to play alongside great food and drink, these opportunities let players share in gaming like back in the old days. Whether fighting together with your team to take down bosses or competing to settle who the best Street Fighter player is, being in person can make all the difference, and it’s easier in Worcester than ever.
Staying Fit
While we don’t traditionally think of digital entertainment as being especially compatible with fitness, there are technologies today that can overturn these preconceptions. The best illustration comes from the cycling eSports used with Zwift, a global online fitness platform. With Zwift, players can connect exercise bikes up to a computer and video screen to compete in a virtual environment. Each player has an avatar, and these avatars race over digital versions of real and fictional courses, with their bikes adjusting resistance in accordance with the route. Providing all the health benefits with the advantage of friendly competition and no weather dependence, these systems are putting new spins on classics.
“Rollentraining mit Zwift auf Canyon-Bike” (CC BY 2.0) by wuestenigel
Digital interactive entertainment is only improving in accessibility and scope, providing opportunities for people from all walks of life. Whether you’re wanting a quick gameplay experience alone or a method to compete or cooperate with friends, Worcester is in a place to cater to your needs. If you’re an ex-enthusiast, consider jumping back into the fray to see what modern Worcester can provide, and who knows what you might find along the way.
Written by: Andy McDonald
