Brighton is known for its beaches, nightlife, and creative spaces in the UK. It is also a popular place for gamers, especially people who enjoy arcade machines, video game tournaments, tabletop sessions, and gaming social activities. There are several ways to enjoy games on Brighton Pier, from classic arcades to gaming cages and several esports events. If you like to enjoy gaming casually or even competitively, you’re in the right place.
1. Play consoles and online games
Brighton has several places where you can enjoy retro and modern consoles and still get great food and drinks. Loading Bar is a great spot for playing Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and even SNES and other types of games. It’s one of the most popular game spots in Brighton, and visitors get to play all games as long as they get something from the bar.
For those who prefer online gaming, casino games are also popular in the UK. Players can enjoy poker, slots, roulette, and even live dealers. Most reputable platforms are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, which makes sure the games are fair and safe. With this option, Brighton visitors can play on the go, enjoying great bonuses and thousands of games.(Source: https://www.cardplayer.com/uk/online-casinos)
2. Compete In esports tournaments
Another great activity to consider as a gamer exploring Brighton is to compete in esports tournaments. The esports market is growing in the UK, and Brighton’s part of it In 2024, the UK market was valued at $91.7 million (£67.66 million) and expected to exceed $341.4 (£258.89 billion) by 2030. That’s a growth rate of about 24.3 percent. As of 2019, it was reported to have supported more than 1,200 full-time jobs.
In Brighton, you can fit right into a gaming community, even if you’re not local. The Brighton Esports Society offers a welcoming space for all gamers, whether you’re a beginner or experienced in the craft. They also connect gamers to national tournaments and online competitions. They focus on popular games like League of Legends, Valorant, and Rocket League.
And for gamers who want something more casual, they can take part in events at the 1UP Cafe, which runs biweekly Smash Bros. tournaments and Pokémon TCG nights. These events often have a mix of students, locals, and visitors who like to enjoy esports games.
3. Join tabletop and board game sessions
Board games are part of the most common games played in Brighton. For this, Dice Saloon is the place to visit. Over time, it has built a reputation as the main hub for tabletop fans.
The spot is stocked with hundreds of tabletop and board games from well-known titles like Catan and Ticket to Ride to immersive role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons. For groups who would like a private setting, the venue has dedicated RPG rooms where players can run long campaigns. They have also made provisions for miniature painting workshops, card game tournaments, and casual community meetups every week.
4. Try virtual reality gaming
Virtual Reality (VR) gaming is growing, including in Brighton. Places like The World’s End pub are open to gamers who would like to try their VR setups and offer great food and drinks. Their games include rhythm games like Beat Saber, racing simulators and shooting experiences. The difference between home VR and this type of setup is the fact that gamers can come with friends who can watch and cheer them on, or even take turns playing together, which makes it more engaging. On a broader scale, the UK VR market is projected to reach $789 million (£582.14 million) by 2035 from the $473.6 million (£349.43 million) generated in 2024. This means more VR joints will be opening up soon across the UK, and probably in Brighton, too.
5. Win tickets and prizes at the pier
Brighton Palace Pier is famous across the UK for its seaside fun and popular arcade games. The Palace of Fun Arcade offers a wide variety of games like claw machines, air hockey, penny pushers and dance mats. Adding to the fun is the fact that visitors can collect tickets and trade them for different prizes.
6. Take part in social competitive games
Social competitive games have grown rapidly in Brighton over the last few years. A number of gaming spots now offer traditional pub activities and social competitive games. Players Brighton is one of the most popular venues that allows this. Here, gamers can play darts, shuffleboard, axe-throwing, beer pong and even try a rage room experience. This type of gaming is accessible to anyone who loves gaming with a bit of socialising.
7. Explore retro gaming history
As a gamer visiting Brighton, you might want to explore the retro gaming history, too. The Brighton Toy and Model Museum houses over 12,000 toys and models, including mechanical penny arcades, vintage slot machines, and other items from past decades.
The museum gives visitors a sense of how interactive games were developed long before video games were a thing. The museum is also a chance to see rare and well-preserved items, and learn about the early stages of gaming culture through the old mechanical machines.
8. Join a gaming quiz night
Quiz nights are very popular across Brighton, and gamers can get in on the act, too. Different venues like 1UP Cafe host gaming-themed quizzes where players answer questions about video games, pop culture and general knowledge. Some other local pubs also run quizzes that have gaming rounds that are good for mixed groups of players and non-players.
