We’re many things at What’s On Sukhumvit, but gaming addicts? Not so much.
Don’t get us wrong; we like a game or two. Grand Theft Auto V has had a few aggressive outings recently while some late night online FIFA is far from a rarity.
And sure, there was a period in our lives where we lived vicariously through The Sims but we’re more or less over that now.
We’re pretty casual when it comes to gaming. Interested outsiders, let’s say.
So, as interested outsiders often do, we made our way to Bangkok’s biggest and best digital playground the other night to see where the gaming insiders while away their hours.
Game Over Lounge is situated at the Phetchaburi Road end of Soi Thonglor in what purports to be Liberty Plaza, but looks more like a huge covered car park to us.
Once you get over the creepy car park thing and actually make your way through the doors, it’s clear that Game Over is much more than just an internet cafe with a load of silent guys geeking out over Ghost Recon.
It’s a social hub – full of big groups, small groups and couples on dates, all eating, drinking and being merry. It’s a great meet-up spot as well as a unique and fun place to hang out.
There’s a special enclosed NERD room for hardcore PC gaming that’s reserved for Game Over members, all wired up with multiple screens and headsets with access to the latest games and systems.
For those just here for the party, non-members can mingle in the main area where large beer pong tables are set up, perfect for big gatherings, alongside the pool table, Giant Jenga and sofas assembled round a big screen for console games.
There’s a huge list of board games available to play for free, ranging from classics like Scrabble and Monopoly to presumably newer editions like Sushi Go and World War Z. Members have got even more choice with cult fever games like Cards Against Humanity and Settlers of Catan.
And for anyone trying to relive their college years, there’s even a Beer Pong area.
There are various membership packages available from daily to yearly commitments, as well as an option for premium membership for the hardcore gaming elite. Or you can do what we did and just turn up on the cuff for a few beers, burgers and a thrashing at Scrabble.
Spot the naughty word…
The kitchen is run by the guys behind the ever-popular Daniel Thaiger van with an even bigger selection of burgers, fries and a few special edition sweet treats.
If you keep an eye on their Facebook page, occasionally they’ll announce they’re taking pre-orders for their legendary wagyu tomahawk steak. We haven’t had the good fortune to try it but trustworthy friends impart that they border on the orgasmic.
We went low-key this time with a couple of Mr Steve (BLT) burgers and a generous serving of truffle parmesan fries. Washed down with a couple of cold Singhas, you can be sure there were no complaints. They’ve also got a nice selection of European craft bottles on hand too, including Delirium.
The management certainly aren’t resting on their laurels when it comes to drawing customers in; there’s a regular roster of events and sport screenings to attract a diverse clientele, including beer pong tournaments, FIFA championships, giveaways and a daily happy hour.
Certifying Game Over’s position as a cool hang-out spot is the décor. In keeping with its obscure car park location, the interior has a renovated locker room look to it, with exposed brick, low ceilings and hanging pipes.
There’s colourful graffiti art adorning the walls and eclectic knick knacks everywhere – we’re talking robots, a vespa, various 20th Century wartime newspaper cuttings, and a host of unexplained traffic cones.
The whole place oozes understated cool and, as interested gaming outsiders, we know we’ll be back for more.
Have you been to Game Over Lounge? What’s your game of choice?
