Berlin’s diverse culture allows for anyone to find their place, and that doesn’t exclude us gamers! Beyond the museums, techno clubs and art, we can find a strong gaming community, which is one of the reasons why the Altagram team loves this city so much. Whether you live here or just traveling through, we’ve compiled a few suggestions for you if you’re on the hunt for some gaming-related fun!
Computerspielemuseum
One of our teammates playing Pac-Man
Have you ever wondered how today’s gaming industry came to be? Conveniently located just a short walk from Altagram’s headquarters, the Spielemuseum is home to decades of gaming history. Younger visitors will be able to experience older games and consoles, while older visitors can have a walk down memory lane. A true historical journey, dedicated to gamers. From the Atari to arcade games and the Wii, visitors can play on different consoles and get a first-hand impression of the games industry’s evolution.
With its own arcade, the Spielemuseum is home to various vintage arcade classics such as Frogger, Pacman, Donkey Kong, and Centipede. One can even play Pacman using a giant joystick, which requires full body movement and offers a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else. If feeling more adventurous, one could even try the PainStation. Only daring gamers over 18 are allowed to try, at their own risk of course! Visitors are even able to take a trip back in time and see how a typical gamer’s room would look like, from the Atari to the ‘70s wallpaper and décor.
Location: Karl-Marx-Allee 93a 10243 Berlin
Game Science Center
The famous Reactable at the Center. Source: Flickr
After having seen the past of all things game-related at the Computerspielemuseum, you’ll have a chance to get a first-hand look at the future. Run by a small team of game developers, this museum is all about upcoming game technology. It hosts a hand-picked display of innovative technologies and unique projects. Berlin is a start-up paradise, which of course means heaps of innovation takes place in this great city, making the museum perfectly located to display new ideas and future gaming breakthroughs. This location also offers workshops and a space for private and corporate events.
Location: Besselstraße 14, 10969 Berlin
Interface
A shot for the winner! source: Facebook
Finally, a bar dedicated to gamers and eSports! A self-proclaimed space for all gamers and their friends, be it casual gamers, eSports fans, or MMO addicts, everyone can feel at home at Interface. Gamers of all walks of life can meet here to play together while enjoying a drink or five. Interface also hosts regular tournaments for various games such as Mario Kart, FIFA, and whatever else you’re into. They also broadcast major eSports events, such as for Starcraft II or League of Legends. Basically, Interface is a great place to go for gamers to feel at home among people who love games as much as they do! When someone tells you to go out and play – feel free to relocate to Interface! It counts, trust us.
Location: Perleberger Str. 17, 10559 Berlin
Spielwiese
Tons of books and board games to enjoy. Source: Facebook
At Berlin’s very first game library, which is also home to a café and a store, you can play board games in the café for a small fee or even rent them out to have your own game night at home. Old and rare games have found a home on their shelves and are waiting for you to come and dust them off. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, they’ll even take the liberty to order it for you! Check their website often, as they regularly hold game events. For example, every Monday, local game designers meet at 7pm to test their new prototypes. This could be your opportunity to check out a new game before it hits shelves, and even take part in the development of a game by providing direct feedback to the creator, all right here in Berlin!
Location: Kopernikusstraße 24, 10245 Berlin
VR and Lasergame Arcade
Tons of lasers! Source: Facebook
At Lasergame, Berlin’s VR pioneers, you can strap on a pair of VR goggles and be taken to a world full of zombies, or gather up a group of friends and enter into your own real-life shooting game. With tons of space for you to hide, change sides, and scope out the landscape, this activity is anything but boring. Excellent graphics paired with precise body movement tracking make this an unmissable VR experience.
Escape Game - EXIT
Do you think you can escape? Source: Facebook
Take the skills you’ve built playing games on consoles, browsers, and your mobile phones and apply them to real life! In an escape game, you will be locked into a room – and the countdown is on. You and your team (however small it may be) will have to strategize and follow clues in order to escape before your time runs out. Who knows what could happen if you don’t make it…
Location: Klosterstraße 62, 10179 Berlin
GameOn
Arcade style games at GameOn. Source: Facebook
One of the biggest gaming event locations in the city, GameOn is the place to be for everything gaming-related. From board games to PC and VR, there are events for every type of interest. The venue can be rented out for birthdays, team building and even days where you just want to have fun with your friends. If you are not looking to organize anything yourself, their calendar is full of already planned events like their big monthly fighting game tournaments and gaming quiz that anyone can attend.
Location: Toeplerstraße 37, 13627 Berlin
GamesWeekBerlin
Some of our team at the AMAZE. party 2018!
Although often seen as a collection of more “corporate” events in the gaming industry, GamesWeekBerlin has tons of opportunities for gaming enthusiasts to get a more behind-the-scenes look at the gaming industry as a whole. With an emphasis on art, events like A.Maze showcase tons of unique and fun games in all sorts of media for gamers to try and experience. With a complimentary party at Urban Spree, one of the most well-known art galleries in Berlin, this event should not be missed.
Gaming Graffiti
Mario missing Peach on the streets of Berlin. Source: Walyou
Berlin is known for its expressive murals and graffiti. A quick glance is enough to notice the colorful art lining so many of this city’s streets. We can even find some fun gaming-related art while strolling along! From Mario to World of Warcraft art pieces, Berlin has it all. The only problem here is that some of these pieces don’t last long, as the walls tend to be an ever evolving art canvas… So, if you see some cool gaming art, be sure to snap a photo.
Location: Everywhere!
Work at Altagram
Altamates unpacking some goodies 🙂
For people who love games, what better way to immerse yourself in the industry than to work in it? Everyone is a gamer at Altagram, and we all live and breathe games. Ideally located in Berlin, the home of all these great gaming activities, Altagram could be the perfect fit for you! Check out our job postings, and maybe we’ll see you soon in our office!
Location: Straße der Pariser Kommune 12-16 10243 Berlin
Or if you're making a trip to Seoul or Montreal, check out our lists for those cities!