Gameface

Manchester isn’t short of places promising an interactive night out, but Gameface, inside Printworks, takes a noticeably different approach. Rather than leaning on familiar bar games or repackaged retro ideas, this venue builds its identity around competition that feels original.

Set within a 5,400 sq ft space, it sits somewhere between an activity bar, an arcade and a full-throttle house party.

At the centre of the concept are 10 original games, each designed specifically for the space rather than borrowed or adapted. You won’t be playing these games anywhere else. The format is straightforward but smartly paced: groups rotate through a series of challenges during a session, collecting points as they go.

Some games test reactions, others lean into physical movement, while a few reward quick thinking under pressure. What ties them all together is tempo. There’s very little downtime, and the competitive instinct tends to kick in almost immediately.

A big part of that comes down to how the bespoke technology is used. Score tracking, reactive elements and evolving gameplay all sit quietly in the background, keeping everything running smoothly without ever becoming the focus. There are no lengthy instructions or awkward learning curves — players check in and you’re gaming straight away.

The space itself holds up to 120 people and is geared towards group occasions, from birthdays to team socials. Once the games wrap up, attention naturally shifts to the bar, giving the experience a second wind rather than an abrupt finish. In an area already packed with competitive socialising venues, Gameface stands out by offering something entirely its own, built around originality, pace and shared moments that quickly turn into bragging rights.