New Giftland arcade offers virtual-reality gaming

Universal Games Guyana, the newest addition to the attractions at the Giftland Mall, opened to the public on Wednesday, with the offer of one-of-a-kind virtual reality machines at affordable rates.

Speaking at a small launch on Tuesday evening, Co-owner Devin Ramnauth said that the decision to open the arcade came after the company recognised the need for higher entertainment in Guyana.

Two of the older patrons enjoying the virtual reality machine during Tuesday’s launch of the Universal Games Guyana Arcade at the Giftland Mall.
Two of the older patrons enjoying the virtual reality machine during Tuesday’s launch of the Universal Games Guyana Arcade at the Giftland Mall.

“Guyanese were a bit starved for entertainment and we noticed that… and we decided to invest in this arcade. We wanted to bring something to Guyana… [that] Guyanese may not have seen before,” he said.

He said his business partner, Jade Beepat, worked tirelessly to make the arcade a reality in a very short period of time.

Asked what would set this arcade apart from others in the country, Ramnauth explained that it was designed to cater for both children and adults, before going on to say that the adults may very well find themselves being more entertained than the children.

This, he said, would be easily achievable with the presence of the arcade’s virtual reality stimulator and 7D theatre which would provide patrons the opportunity to experience scenarios in virtual reality.

“While some would have experienced virtual rides before, they would have had to travel to the US to do so. Here we are now, we have virtual rides right here in Guyana. Everyone is excited about this and we look forward to entertaining Guyana,” Ramnauth said.

Co-Owner Jade Beepat (left) and her daughter (right) did the ceremonial ribbon cutting at the launch of the Universal Games Guyana Arcade on Tuesday evening.
Co-Owner Jade Beepat (left) and her daughter (right) did the ceremonial ribbon cutting at the launch of the Universal Games Guyana Arcade on Tuesday evening.

As regards the 7D theatre, Ramnauth said the nine-seat virtual machine provides an atmosphere that allows patrons to feel as though they are experiencing each scenario in real life and comes with over 100 different virtual reality scenarios for the benefit of its patrons.

According to Ramnauth, the arcade will be opened daily from 12:30 pm to 10 pm on weekdays and they plan on extended their hours on weekends.

Ramnauth said all prices will be affordable and divulged plans to include children from various children’s homes in the fun by treating them to a visit to the arcade sometime in the near future.