The Spielhalle scene in Berlin is notably large and diverse, with games suited for any kind of person. Whether you’re looking for a casual bar setting, a gaming industry museum, or an arcade boasting a massive selection, you’ll be able to find something to suit your tastes. Here’s some of the standout places to game in Berlin.
Electric Social – Arcade Kitchen & Bar
Electric Social at Alexanderplatz combines a whole host of concepts. You can play classic arcade games and encounter Donkey Kong, Space Invaders or Pac-Man displayed across massive five-metre screens. Besides games, you can let off steam at beer pong and break the augmented reality darts’ high score.
There are also various regular events and promotions, from arcade discount Tuesdays to karaoke parties on Thursdays and DJ evenings on Saturdays. Electric Social also offers drinks, plus a solid menu with hummus, burgers, fries and other snacks. You can reserve tables and seats for certain games online in advance.
- Electric Social, Alexanderplatz, Grunerstraße 13, Mitte, details.
Immersive Gamebox
The Immersive Gamebox at Alexanderplatz stands apart from the usual arcade machine fare. Instead, you’ll get an immersive experience, similar to the audiovisual exhibitions that occasionally pop up in Berlin. Attendees wear a motion sensing cap to play the games in a small room with the game environment displayed on every surface.
There’s a wide selection of games available, including one from the Netflix series ‘Squid Game’, a version of the classic mobile game ‘Angry Birds’ adapted for the Gamebox and an escape room experience. Each game lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, depending heavily on teamwork.
Gamestate Berlin
Gamestate is the largest arcade in Berlin – a veritable gaming paradise in The Playce shopping centre at Potsdamer Platz. Here, you can play on dozens of machines and interactive stations across an area of around 1000 square metres.
The arcade itself feels retro – the machines are always chiming and flashing loudly. But it’s not old-fashioned, with dozens of varied machines and areas where you can try to top the leaderboard in every conceivable game (including remakes of arcade classics). You can expect air hockey tables, a surf game with a balance board, Atari Pong with 3D foam pixels, a jungle ride with VR goggles and Mario Kart.
Video Game Museum
If you are interested in the history of computer games, this place is a must. Since 1997, the Video Game Museum has focused on the development of the entire industry. The museum’s ‘Wall of Hardware’ features Pong and several older racing games, calling back to the gaming experiences of days gone by.
- Computer Games Museum, Karl-Marx-Allee 93a, Friedrichshain, details.
Flipperhalle Berlin
At the Flipperhalle Berlin, located in Teltow, Jörg Meißner collects, restores and presents his collection of around 50 pinball machines from all eras of the game of skill, which once had its place in pubs and large halls. From Meißner’s first ‘Harlem Globetrotters’ machine to the more modern ‘Stranger Things’ pinball station, there’s a whole range of pin tables to try out.
- Flipperhalle Berlin, Oderstr. 23-25, 14513 Teltow, details.
This article was translated from German.
