The Cube takes over Elizabeth Quay
What mammoth event!
Ground Zero Gaming took over Elizabeth Quay in the heart of the Perth CBD over the January summer holidays. Launching on Friday 12 January, the Hon John Carey BA MLA (State Member for Perth, Minister for Planning; Lands; Housing; Homelessness) officially welcomed the public into this bespoke gaming hub.
On his Facebook page, Minister Carey shared, “At the Cube, Ground Zero Gaming is introducing a fresh and innovative gaming concept offering a daily free-play program of video games tailored for both kids and the big kids at heart (including me!)”
“Ground Zero Gaming is committed to providing a space for gamers to connect, have fun, and experience the latest and greatest in gaming entertainment.” he said.
Welcome to Perth summer
Launching on the eve of a four-day heatwave was no easy feat, however. We hit the jackpot with a Perth summer, with multiple 40+ degree days, freak thunder and electrical storms, and intense humidity. But! The Cube was up to the challenge. Our custom-built sea container was fitted out to withstand whatever the elements threw at us, and throughout the event, our equipment (and visitors!) stayed cool.
Open for 154 hours over 17 days, we provided a unique experience for visitors. We played games like Mario Kart, Rocket League, EA FC24, and Super Smash Bros. on both Xbox and Nintendo Switch consoles. And for those who preferred to watch rather than play, we had seating, shade and some giant Jenga and Connect 4!
Partnering with the local community
Throughout the activation program, we partnered with two local community organisations for ‘takeover’ events.
On Sunday 14 January, A Stitch in Time took over The Cube to talk about mental health. Joined by Australian cricketer and Ground Zero Gaming brand ambassador, Jhye Richardson, former Wildcats player and A Stitch in Time co-founder, Greg Hire, played video games with kids throughout the morning, promoting the message of hope, help, education, and prevention.
“Gaming has proven to be a dynamic platform that not only brings people together through shared interests but also fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie,” Greg said.
“ The Cube, an initiative by Ground Zero Gaming, is a shining example of this. The Cube is more than just a gaming hub; it's a space where individuals find solace, support, and shared experiences. It's a testament to the idea that a sense of community is a powerful force in mental health well-being.”
Friday 19 January marked the first StreamPerth Community Meetup of the year - and Ground Zero Gaming were thrilled to host the group at The Cube. From 5pm, The Cube transformed into a dynamic hub of Perth’s best content creators and gaming enthusiasts, taking in the very best that Elizabeth Quay had to offer.
The Cube was part of the summer school holiday program organised by CBRE, on behalf of DevelopmentWA and the State Government of Western Australia.
Check out the post-event video below!