We visited TEKZONE last year when it first opened and thought it was out-of-this- world fun. It was futuristic, interactive and entertaining for everyone that it immediately became one of our all-time favorite indoor entertainment spots in Kuwait. It has been a year since they opened and we spoke to the Vice President of Leisure & Entertainment Division at Alshaya Group, Fernando Medroa to find out more about what is happening now and what will happen in the future.

How would you describe TEKZONE?

TEKZONE is the future of fun, the ultimate family entertainment destination. It is a unique platform that stands out from any other family entertainment center. We want to offer everyone a good time in a space that is dynamic, futuristic and most importantly fun. By using Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) attractions with thrill rides, classic games, redemption games and digitally enhanced escape rooms we have created something from the future but today.

Where did the idea of TEKZONE stem from?

We noticed that there was a lack of entertainment options in Kuwait and Alshaya’s Leisure & Entertainment Division wanted to expand and cater to the needs of the market. We knew that our visitors would want to experience a mix of passive, interactive, and active entertainment, all under one roof.

We keep hearing about Zo, who is he?

Zo is a cybertronic robot and the face of TEKZONE. He comes from the distant planet Zeta, in the Andromeda galaxy. The planet is populated by the Zetans, a society light years ahead of us in technology – 2.5 million light years, to be exact. They live to play, in every sense of the word. Zo is on a mission to spread fun across the universe. So he used one of Zeta’s wormhole portals to travel back in time and space, from millions of years in the future, to reach his first destination – Earth. He exited the wormhole in the perfect spot… TEKZONE! Zo loves interacting with visitors and taking selfies with them, so don’t be shy if you spot him in the park.

There are several VR spots in Kuwait now, what do you think makes TEKZONE different and sets it apart from the rest?

First of all TEKZONE is located in The Avenues which is accessible to everyone all over Kuwait and people can visit regardless of the weather. We have state-of-the- art attractions, some of which are the first in the world and others being the first in the Middle East. It is an immersive experience because we use LED screens, 3D mapping and floor projections to bring the space to life which rotate between three different themes; underwater, jungle and futuristic. Just walking around the place is engaging and enthralling.

Beyond playing individual games, guests are also playing an over-arching game; Time Mission. When visitors arrive, they get a Time Mission bracelet which they register using their unique avatar and information. Every time they play a game, they collect Crystals which can be used to redeem prizes or free games. Play more, win more!

Were any of the games specifically designed for Kuwait?

Yes, several! The VR bumper cars are the first of their kind in the world and premiered in TEKZONE. Bumper cars on their own are a staple of everyone’s childhood but the TEKZONE experience is multiplied exponentially by taking you on a fascinating outer space adventure. The Game Changer was specially designed for us too. The room rotates 360 degrees so you can try out four different games in different positions.

Our two next-generation VR Escape rooms are a very unique experience too that were designed for TEKZONE. Enjoy live-action team-based games, discover clues with your team, solve puzzles, and accomplish tasks in under 60 minutes. We’ve coined them Escape Room 2.0, with three digitally enhanced challenges to choose from: Da Vinci, Pirates, and Ancient Egypt.

Which game is the most popular?

Everyone loves the Infinity Ride, a spinning rollercoaster offering riders a 360°, thrilling experience. TEKZONE is not just for kids, though, as adults especially enjoy our VR attractions like the VR Maze and VR Cinema, since it transports them into an alternate world away from their busy work days and responsibilities.

Which game do you enjoy the most?

All of the games are unique and enjoyable but my personal favorite is definitely the Finger Coaster, without a doubt. You design the thrill path yourself! In this two-part experience game, draw the roller coaster ride of your dreams as you add in twists, drops, rolls and turns, each more thrilling than the other. So, you have the roller coaster on your fingertips! The fun doesn’t stop there, as you next get to put on your VR headsets and take your seat on a stationary simulator, and allow virtual reality technology to take you on a ride you’ve just designed. It is always exciting since every time is going to be a unique experience.

Has there been any new games introduced since the launch?

We are constantly on the lookout for new attractions and making new additions to the ones we have, offering our visitors a new experience for every visit. Since opening we added the the VR Maze and Beat Saber, amongst others, all of which have proven to be very popular.

We have also introduced birthday parties based on popular demand. Kids wanted to enjoy the TEKZONE experience with their friends on their special day. We offer classic birthday party games such as charades and karaoke and a 1-hour Unlimited Play Card for every child which is good for rides and attractions. Of course, no birthday is complete without a visit from Zo, who will stop by to join the fun and make for memorable selfie pictures.

Anything new coming to TEKZONE in the near future that we can share with our readers?

We are always working on new things and right now we are planning on expanding in Kuwait and the MENA region and adding new games and attractions. There will also be more to Zo’s story in the future. He will be inviting friends from Zeta and we are sure that they will love TEKZONE as much as Zo has and that they just might decide to stay.

Visit TEKZONE in The Forum, Lower Ground Floor – The Avenues. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram on @TEKZONEME to find out more.