Not long ago, gaming was a hobby people pursued in their living rooms. They turned on their TVs, fired up their gaming consoles, and explored digital worlds.
Others preferred PCs for gaming, but the experience was basically the same; if you wanted to play a video game, you had to stay in one place. After all, consoles and PCs have wires and need to be plugged into a power outlet, making them anything but portable.
However, all of that has changed in recent years. Technological advances like smartphones and tablets have made it possible for people to travel the world and take their games with them. Many gamers are traveling the world to visit places they may have only experienced on screens and immerse themselves in the gaming cultures of new places. In this article, we look at some of the top destinations for gamers who want to combine their love of gaming with the excitement of travel.
Las Vegas, USA – The Ultimate Gaming Playground
Las Vegas is known as the entertainment capital of the world for a good reason — it has almost every form of gaming imaginable, along with a lot of other cool stuff. As online casinos have made their mark on the gaming industry, more and more gamers are turning to these online platforms to play slots and table games. Roulette is among the most popular casino games and is known for its blend of excitement and strategy, whether played online or offline. In its digital form, players watch on their screens as the ball circles the wheel before landing on a number. Most players would probably agree that online roulette and other online casino games effectively mimic the in-person experience.
Still, many want to experience the bright lights of the Vegas Strip, where they can explore the famous casinos as well as attend esports and other gaming events. In recent years, Vegas has made a name for itself within the esports world, with the HyperX Esports Arena hosting top gaming competitions and attracting fans from around the world. The city is also home to the Evolution Championship Series, better known as EVO, the most important esports event dedicated to fighting games in the world. The nice thing about Vegas is there’s a lot to do outside of gaming, including world-class cuisine and exciting shows.
Tokyo, Japan – A Mecca for Gaming Enthusiasts
When one thinks of video games, it’s hard not to think of Tokyo, Japan, the home of Nintendo, where so many of the best-known games were created. Given its history, it’s no surprise that Tokyo is towards the top of most gamers’ bucket lists. What makes Tokyo unique is seeing the old alongside the new. As you explore the streets in the bustling city, you’ll see traditional Japanese culture next to arcades packed with gamers.
Tokyo’s Akihabara, also known as Electric Town, is at the center of Japan’s gaming culture. Strolling down the street, visitors are greeted by game stores, arcades, and anime shops as far as the eye can see. Taito Station and Pokémon Centers are among the most popular destinations for gamers in the Akihabara neighborhood. As a gamer, it’s easy to get lost in the Tokyo streets as you explore every nook and cranny, but most would agree it’s well worth it, and there’s no other experience like it in the world of gaming.
Seoul, South Korea – The Esports Capital
When it comes to esports, no other city in the world comes close to Seoul for competitive gaming. If it seems like the city was designed for esports and, in many ways, it was. The state-of-the-art Yongsan Esports Stadium calls the city home and hosts global tournaments for games like League of Legends and StarCraft, which both have huge fanbases in the city. Besides Koreans, people from all over the world travel to Seoul to watch these tournaments live.
While gaming is a big part of the Seoul experience, the city has so much more to offer, including historical sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace. You won’t want to miss Korea’s famous street food while you’re there, either. The city’s love of esports, combined with its traditional offerings, makes it a one-of-a-kind destination for gamers.
