Gaming centres can be very hit or miss. Some are brilliant for an hour with friends. Others are little more than a dark room, a row of screens and someone shouting into a headset two seats away.
Ress Gaming Center is trying to offer something more considered. The Riyadh venue brings together PC gaming, PlayStation 5 consoles, virtual reality, board games and a café, making it the kind of place where a quick gaming session can easily turn into a much longer visit.
Pick Your Game
Visitors can choose between high-performance gaming PCs, consoles and virtual reality experiences, with games covering everything from relaxed multiplayer sessions to more competitive titles.
There is no pressure to arrive as a serious gamer either. Friends can book a session together, while experienced players can join tournaments and events held throughout the year. Some competitions are supported by game publishers, giving regular players the chance to test their skills in a more organised setting.
Take a Break from the Screen
One of the better things about Ress is that the entire experience does not revolve around sitting in front of a monitor. The centre also hosts workshops, exhibitions and events linked to gaming and Japanese pop culture. There is a private live-streaming studio for content creators, along with a large board game area for anyone who wants a change of pace.
The café serves drinks and light snacks, so there is no need to leave halfway through an afternoon with friends. Ress works because it feels social without forcing it. You can go for the games, stay for the atmosphere and leave having spent far longer there than planned.
For Riyadh residents looking for something different to do indoors, especially during the hotter months, it is an easy one to keep on the list.
Explore The Riyadh Atlas for the best gaming venues, family attractions, cafés, events, and entertainment spots across Riyadh.
