Katrina Hauser Though laser tag and arcades are familiar childhood joys, NxGn Arena, located at 43 The Promenade in Edgewater, has a gaming experience unlike anything else. With classic and virtual-reality arcade games as well as a tactical laser tag arena of over 7,000 square feet, this business is bringing fun to a whole new level. Read on to learn more about NxGn Arena, the site of your next gaming adventure.
About NxGn Arena in Edgewater
NxGn Arena opened in December 2024, stemming from Director of Operations Malik E’s childhood passion for laser tag. He struggled to enjoy the game to the same extent as an adult until he discovered the equipment used at NxGn. It’s suitable for tactical laser tag, which, as opposed to the traditional iteration of the game, is mission-based. Winning requires strategic thinking and completing objectives, not just racking up the most points and staying alive. At NxGn, the games they play inside the arena emphasize teamwork and quick decision-making and are set apart by immersive storytelling. Malik describes these games as being similar in style to the popular video game Call of Duty, and many of their customers agree.
“Everything, in terms of gameplay, when they play, and their accuracy, it’s all tracked. We play Call of Duty-style games. They have the Call of Duty setup and ranking system. So a lot of people actually refer to us as Call of Duty laser tag itself,” Malik said.
Tactical Laser Tag Gear + Gameplay
The arena, described by the business as a ‘Gotham-style urban battlefield,’ is a maze of spray-painted alleys, abandoned buildings, and piles of fake debris. On either side is a team base, as games typically split players into two groups. A game session can host up to 28 people and typically lasts about an hour. This includes about 30 to 40 minutes of actual playtime.
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First, staff must go over basic rules and get everyone suited up. Everyone receives a shooting device; the arena has multiple styles which are loaded with CO2 canisters, giving players the physical sensation of recoil when they take a shot. Vests, which come in black and camouflage, are outfitted with multiple sensors. They also have wireless headbands and shock belts, which give players a physical jolt when hit. These features add new depth to the game for experienced players.
The gear contains live-scoring technology that syncs to track when players are hit. After two hits, they are out of the game. However, an eliminated player does not have to wait long to get back into play; each hour-long session at NxGn Arena features six different game modules that last about five minutes each. Depending on how many players are present and how long it takes to prepare for each upcoming game, sessions can reach up to seven or eight games.
What to Know Before Visiting NxGn Arena
NxGn Arena is situated amongst many restaurants and retail stores at City Place on the Promenade, which also has ample free parking. While walk-ins are welcome, reservations are recommended to ensure a preferred time slot. The convenience of an arcade and arena in one space allows larger groups to split up and find the right style of game for everyone. The business encourages players to break for a meal and some shopping and come back for a session later in the day.
Age Requirements + Group Sizes
The arcade is suitable for kids five years old and up. For laser tag, the age requirement is seven years. Staff strongly recommends playing with at least six people in a session, and if a session is running small, they will offer those who have already booked a chance to reschedule it. However, sessions as small as two people have still been fun for all involved.
Private Parties + Events
Currently, the arcade has an immersive theater ride, but soon, the business hopes to turn this space into a private party room. For now, groups are encouraged to rent out the venue for private parties like corporate events and birthday parties. Malik says these tend to be the occasions when he sees customers having the most fun, which he gets to enjoy, too.
“We’re very hospitable. We try to treat everybody like family. We are a small business; it’s our first location. So we’re engaged with our customers; we try to make sure everybody has a good time. Nobody’s leaving unhappy, and hopefully, you know, we’ll go on to branch out to more locations,” Malik said.
NxGn Arena Pricing + Hours
Sessions start at $40 per player per hour, with discounted happy hour pricing on some weekday afternoon sessions. Staff recommends wearing comfortable clothing and closed-toed shoes. NxGn Arena is open Monday to Thursday from 3PM to 11PM, Friday + Saturday from 12PM to 12AM, and Sunday from 11AM to 10PM.
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