London O2’s Virgin Media Gamepad venue ‘attracts nearly 90,000 people’

Virgin Media Gamepad, the new gaming venue inside London’s The O2, has been visited by nearly 90,000 people, organisers have claimed.

The venue, which opened last summer inside of the world’s busiest arena, allows members of the public to visit and play games free of charge.

Priority from O2 customers can also book out ‘The Cave’, which is Gamepad’s “VIP gaming lounge”.

In its first year, Virgin Media Gamepad has been used to showcase pre-release titles such as Tekken 8 and World of Warcraft: The War Within, and host live streams from popular creators which have been viewed more than one million times, it says.

Virgin has also used the venue to coincide with O2’s entertainment, such as by allowing patrons to play WWE 2K23 ahead of the WWE Money in the Bank weekend.

“What a first year for Virgin Media Gamepad,” commented Gareth Griffiths, Director of Partnerships & Sponsorship at Virgin Media O2. “We’ve welcomed everybody from the most exciting live streamers to the biggest British rappers, and it feels like we have really created the UK’s leading destination for a social and high-tech gaming experience.

“Video games are a core passion point for our customers, so year two will only see us continue to level up what’s on offer to gamers from Virgin Media.”