"A seamless gaming experience": Virgin Media opens the doors to Gamepad at The O2

Virgin Media O2 has announced the launch of Virgin Media Gamepad.

Virgin Media O2 customers and members of the public will be able to enjoy gameplay powered by the company’s gigabit broadband, with technology including 16 of the latest consoles and exclusive areas for live streaming and local multiplayer gaming with friends.

Opening to the public tomorrow from 12pm, this consists of three areas: The Playground, The Cave and The Stage.

The Playground has 16 gaming pods and features with Xbox Series X consoles, all equipped with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate that allow players to immerse themselves in hundreds of games for free across numerous AAA franchises.

The Cave offers an exclusive VIP gaming lounge for Virgin Media broadband and O2 customers to play as a squad with up to three friends and can be booked via the Priority app from Sunday, 2nd July.

The Stage is a streaming studio equipped with technology and will house the best gaming talent who, in partnership with Outside Xbox, will livestream from the space once a month, with access to watch live on their YouTube channel.

Gareth Griffiths, Director of Partnerships & Sponsorship at Virgin Media O2, says: “In recent years there’s been a real shift in gaming, with more people than ever coming together to play socially as well as in communities online, and what better place for the ultimate gaming experience than the world’s number one entertainment venue, The O2.” 

“We’re putting play, people and purpose at the heart of everything we do within gaming, creating a dedicated space that’s free for everyone to use, built with innovation and inclusivity at its core.”

“We want to remove barriers for gamers, whether financial, physical or social, so they can play without limits and enjoy access to hundreds of games, all playable on the latest gaming consoles all powered by Virgin Media’s gigabit broadband.”             

Gamepad adds to the day out offering at The O2, which alongside the arena, is also home to the likes of interactive bars TOCA Social and BOOM BATTLE BAR, London’s largest cinema – Cineworld, immersive dining experience Mamma Mia! The Party, and over 30 bars and restaurants.

It is open every day of the week from 12pm to 8pm and The Playground can be accessed by all for at least 20 minutes at a time. Priority members can prebook, or pending on availability, turn up for a 60-minute slot in The Cave.