In Beauchamp, a virtual reality arena for players

Video games sometimes have a dirty reputation. They are accused of isolating those who play there. A cliché “The Third Generation Team” – which takes its name from the initials of the three people who composed it: Greg, Greg and Gwen – chose to stand against it.

During the first booking in March 2020, this trio embarked on a project to gather players around the practice of e-sports within the space of EVA (Electronic Sports Virtual Arenas), in the town of Beauchamps, in Val d’Oise. . Whether they know each other or not – they get together on one ground and share the same hobby, rather than everyone playing in their own corner.

encrypted yard

EVA has an area of ​​2,600 square meters and contains two courtyards of 500 square meters each. This makes it the largest gaming deck in the world. In these two arenas, the players unleashed their power. The playing session lasts forty minutes in total. It takes place in three stages:Five minutes of demonstration, five minutes of equipment, and thirty minutes of play‘ summarizes Greg, of the third generation team. When players enter the arena, they step on a floor covered with a giant QR code and shoot against walls lined with encrypted surfaces. They allow for an activity in virtual reality. Here, in this case, it’s all about reproducing the game environment that We are immersed in it.

In terms of practitioners, all levels come together. Beginners who wishDiscover and play with friends for those who come regularly to competeGreg adds.

It is a shooting game presented: After-H, created by EVA France. There is no puzzle to solve or complicated scenario. It’s a matter of shooting game characters or comrades. After-H itself has several modes. The zombie mode is played in the melee that beginners will turn to the most; A typical “sniper / precision shooting” mode in which shots are fired from a distance; and the situation battle that is played as a team. There is also another situation, “All for himself. It is very physical. It is played in 5-10 minutes no moreGreg says, adding thatEven us who play hard, don’t last more than ten minutesPlayers can hide and protect themselves from enemy fire behind chests or other obstacles, as well as talk to each other.

The only space in Ile-de-France

The project is successful. Players, whether beginners or regulars, come from all over Ile-de-France, and even from neighboring regions. At the same time, this electronic exercise allows the exercisers to abandon the activity. Some anticipate the hit by wearing tracksuits. “There are two couples who come from Seine-et-Marne. When they come, they stay for 5 hours and come in sportswear. Then they run in zombie mode and don’t stop”Greg adds.

Moreover, even if this practice has already appeared in other cities in France, the Beauchamps space is (for the time being) the only one located in the Ile-de-France region and is currently the largest global esports arena. In addition, the idea of ​​developing this type of arenas is an idea.made in France“.

“drink with friends”

And after a game session? The old saying “after exercise, rest” applies. Players can take a seat at the Cyber ​​Bar, with 90 seats. “Even if they don’t know each other, when (the players) come out of the play session, they’re having a drink with friends”, explains Greg. Especially since ‘Team 3G’ has a 3 license, which allows the sale of alcohol. Here, beer, champagne, wine … but also cold cuts / cheese dishes, pizza and desserts are served.

The EVA space is located at 3 rue Denis Papin, in Beauchamp, as shown on the map below. It is accessible by carriage, and is equidistant from Montigny-Beauchamp and Pierrelaye stations.

It is open every day. Monday to Friday 4pm to 1am Saturday 10am to 1am and Sunday 10am to 10pm. You can reserve your place over here. Note that the health card is now mandatory to access it”Like all gyms“Greg says.”We will lose customers now, but there will be people at the beginning of the school year where more people will be vaccinated by then“, he thinks.