“Like a human-sized video game”: Viral interactive game chain opens first location in Columbus this week

Activate, a unique, immersive gaming experience touted as a “human-sized video game,” will open its first location in Columbus this weekend.

The concept, located at 8735 Lyra Dr., will hold its grand opening on September 14 and 15 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Admission (which normally costs $19.99 to $24.99) is free for Columbus residents this weekend. You can reserve a spot here.

While the word “gaming” is often used to describe Activate, it definitely doesn't do the experience justice. Visitors work their way through interactive, three-dimensional atmospheres, using both their mental and physical skills to make their way through each room filled with neon light panels, lasers, and more. The Mega Grid room, which you can check out below, recently went viral on TikTok.

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“Enter the game where you become a player in the world's first active play facility. Jump, climb, problem solve and laugh as you and your friends move between challenges. Each dynamic play space features interactive technology that responds in real time, ensuring an adrenaline-fueled adventure,” says Activate's website.

In groups of 2-5 people, you can move through rooms where you must climb, crawl, jump and dodge to succeed.

Activate has more than 25 locations either open or opening soon across the country (three in Ohio in total), as well as brick-and-mortar stores in Canada, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

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