--- title: The rise of competitive socialising | Re-venue description: Competitive socialising venues have grown 400% since 2021, revitalising retail spaces and creating experiences that blend digital with physical. image: https://re-venue.ai/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/679b803b823cfeba9a6e6ec0_SocialSlider4-ezgif_com-webp-to-jpg-converter.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://re-venue.ai/insights/the-rise-of-competitive-socialising#main-content) [![re-venue logo on white](https://re-venue.ai/hubfs/re-venue%20logo%20on%20white-1.svg)Homepage](https://www.re-venue.ai) - Solutions - [Competitive Socialising](https://re-venue.ai/competitive-socialising-revenue-optimisation) - [Visitor Attractions](https://re-venue.ai/visitor-attraction-revenue-management) - [Insights](https://re-venue.ai/insights) - [Login](https://auth.re-venue.ai/login) [Book a demo](https://meetings-eu1.hubspot.com/jacob-beckett) - Solutions - [Competitive Socialising](https://re-venue.ai/competitive-socialising-revenue-optimisation) - [Visitor Attractions](https://re-venue.ai/visitor-attraction-revenue-management) - [Insights](https://re-venue.ai/insights) - [Login](https://auth.re-venue.ai/login) [Book a demo](https://meetings-eu1.hubspot.com/jacob-beckett) ![](https://re-venue.ai/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/679b803b823cfeba9a6e6ec0_SocialSlider4-ezgif_com-webp-to-jpg-converter.jpg?width=1620&height=1080&name=679b803b823cfeba9a6e6ec0_SocialSlider4-ezgif_com-webp-to-jpg-converter.jpg) Industry Competitive Socialising # The rise of competitive socialising: it’s more than just a game ![Dan Blackman](https://re-venue.ai/hs-fs/hubfs/DSCF7752-2_Square_800x800.jpg?width=48&height=48&name=DSCF7752-2_Square_800x800.jpg) Dan Blackman February 12, 2025 The concept isn’t new – people have been throwing darts in pubs since the 15th century. But competitive socialising venues have evolved into something extraordinary, representing the biggest development in the leisure sector for decades. According to Cushman & Wakefield, the competitive socialising industry has grown nearly 400% since early 2021. But what’s driving this remarkable leisure sector growth? ## The perfect storm behind competitive socialising venues ### Digital meets physical experience Modern competitive socialising venues aren’t just about the games – they’re complete experiences designed for a generation that lives both on and offline. Recent research by KAM Media shows 41% of Gen Z customers in Britain have already visited competitive socialising venues, with 47% planning future visits. These venues understand the importance of creating shareable moments that bridge digital and physical worlds. From interactive leaderboards to social media-ready photo opportunities, the best competitive socialising venues integrate technology seamlessly into the experience. ### Evolution of social spaces Traditional pubs and restaurants are seeing a shift. The new generation wants more than just food and drinks – they’re seeking experiences worth sharing. This trend has created opportunities for vacant retail spaces, with competitive socialising businesses breathing new life into shopping centres and high streets. > “Fewer and fewer people are going shopping or eating out at casual dining restaurants. Customers today want unique, exciting premium experiences.” – Jonathan Peters, CFO, [F1® Arcade](https://f1arcade.com/). ### Retail space revitalisation Competitive socialising venues are revitalising commercial real estate. From former department stores to empty retail units, they’re giving new purpose to spaces that traditional retail has left behind. This renaissance in property utilisation demonstrates how experiential leisure can transform urban environments. ### Market momentum in competitive socialising The sector shows no signs of slowing. While [F1 Arcade](https://f1arcade.com/) secured £30m for US expansion, they’re not alone in this ambitious growth. Major investment is flowing into competitive socialising venues, demonstrating strong market confidence. Consider the trajectory: in early 2023, [Toca Social](https://www.toca.social/) secured approximately $100 million in private offerings to accelerate their global expansion. The concept has proven so compelling that it’s attracted investment from sports stars, including England captain [Harry Kane](https://www.tocafootball.com/journal-post/soccer-superstar-and-england-national-team-captain-harry-kane-to-invest-in-toca-football), highlighting the sector’s mainstream credibility. > “I invested in TOCA because I wholeheartedly believe in the company. TOCA offers unmatched technologies which help players improve and immersive entertainment experiences which are fun for everyone. I am delighted to support TOCA’s global expansion and share its vision for the future of soccer, the sport I love.” – Harry Kane This pattern of expansion within competitive socialising venues isn’t isolated. We’re seeing: - Multiple UK brands successfully expanding into US markets - Significant technological investment in immersive experiences - Strategic moves from single to multi-location operations - Growing interest from high-profile investors and sports personalities Smaller formats of competitive socialising venues are emerging too. As Lisa Paton, Global COO at Immersive Gamebox explains, “We very deliberately have built a concept which doesn’t require large-scale property.” This flexibility suggests we’ll see more innovation in how these experiences are delivered. ### The digital dimension of competitive socialising At Multivitamin, we’ve observed that success in venues isn’t just about the physical experience – it’s about creating [seamless digital journeys](https://multivitamin.studio/articles/beyond-high-scores-optimising-the-social-gaming-booking-experience/) that enhance it. From group booking systems to pre-visit touch points, technology needs to enable rather than overshadow the social experience. Looking ahead, we expect to see more integration between the physical and digital experience and innovative use of smaller spaces as venues continue to evolve. The future of competitive socialising isn’t just about the games – it’s about creating moments worth sharing, both online and off, in venues that understand the delicate balance between digital engagement and human connection. *Sources: [Cushman & Wakefield](https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/united-kingdom/insights) 2023, [KAM Media](https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/united-kingdom/insights) Research 2023* ## Share this post [mailto:https%3A%2F%2Fre-venue.ai%2Finsights%2Fthe-rise-of-competitive-socialising](mailto:https%3A%2F%2Fre-venue.ai%2Finsights%2Fthe-rise-of-competitive-socialising) ## Keep reading ### [![](https://re-venue.ai/hs-fs/hubfs/Klarna_IPO_TimesSquare3.jpg?width=4743&height=3162&name=Klarna_IPO_TimesSquare3.jpg) Product Update Pricing & Yield Booking Flow Klarna at checkout: the revenue lever venues are overlooking](https://re-venue.ai/insights/spreading-the-cost-klarna-venue-revenue) ### [![](https://re-venue.ai/hs-fs/hubfs/u3171515262_wide-angle_editorial_photograph_of_4_friends_sat__496a8da9-3936-4224-a223-9f120024c517_3.png?width=1456&height=816&name=u3171515262_wide-angle_editorial_photograph_of_4_friends_sat__496a8da9-3936-4224-a223-9f120024c517_3.png) Press Release Your bookings are full but your revenue isn't - Re-venue launches to close the gap.](https://re-venue.ai/insights/your-bookings-are-full-but-your-revenue-isnt-re-venue-launches-to-close-the-gap) ## See exactly how much revenue you're missing We'll analyse your booking data, show you specific opportunities, and demonstrate how Re-venue captures them. 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