Game on!
Utrecht is heaven for game freaks. From arcade games and specialist game shops, to escape rooms and game bars: let the games begin!
by Laura Amiabel
Simple and well thought-out
Specialist shop The Joker
Erno Eekelschot: ‘Our collection changes with the times. The games we play adapt in line with the social climate. They’re all quite simple at the moment, but well thought-out. As well as the shop, we also have a basement where people can play games.’
> Oudegracht 230A
the-joker.nl
Game bar
De Stichtse Taveerne
Frank Nieuwenhuis: ‘Some evenings, seventy percent of our customers are playing games. We started life as a bar with billiards tables, but this gave us a stuffy image. Nowadays, you can play pool, darts and we have about sixty different board games. We provide beer and the right atmosphere.’
> Twijnstraat 43
stichtsetaveerne.nl
Classic games
Awesome Space
Tjeerd Visser: ‘Warning: if you come in here, it’ll be a couple of hours before you leave. What will you be doing? We’ve got everything, from all the classic Nintendo games to unique and rare amusement arcade machines. Something for everyone.’
> Marco Pololaan 8-10
awesomespace.nl
Ordinary and specialist
Het Lab
Mark Brummel: ‘At Het Lab, we sell ordinary everyday games as well specialist games for the real game enthusiasts. And you’re welcome to come and play here too; there’s plenty of room in the shop. If I’ve got time, I’ll explain anything that’s unfamiliar.’
> Oudegracht 207
lab-monkey.nl
