A high tech game of red-light green-light, pattern memorization and exploding asteroids tricks you into getting in a workout at Activate Games in Roseville.

“It’s been a lot of fun these first couple of weeks having people come through and get so excited about having a new concept in the area,” general manager Blake Telshaw said.

The concept originated in Canada and features game spaces that are minimally decorated but futuristic, with scannable radio-frequency identification wristbands that allow players access to nine different game spaces. The wristbands also track “Star reward” points and can even open a personal locker for important items like bags, wallets and phones.

Videos of the facilities posted on Tik Tok by both Activate Games and visitors have views ranging from 50,000 to 33 million views, with the game “Mega Grid” attracting the most attention.

“Whatever you want is the experience you can get,” Team lead Cory Iisakka said.

The nine games reinvent childhood schoolyard games, taking simple concepts like color matching and elevating them with touchscreens and interactive technology. Other games feel like something out of a spy movie, in which the player is tasked to crawl under laser beams and shoot at moving targets.

“Definitely do some research on the games before you come in,” player Tyler Carlson from Elk River said Thursday.

Whether people are looking to work as a team or compete against one another, games can be set accordingly in cooperation or competitive modes.

Each game also comes with its own variation of minigames to diversify play in each room. The nine unique games vary from challenging players through intense physical activity to mental strategy and problem solving.

“There’s always a different game or different room that appeals to people,” Telshaw said.

Activate Games in Roseville is a new active gaming facility that opened July 23, 2024, reinventing classic games from childhood like The Floor is Lava, and Red Light Green Light. (Courtesy of Activate Games)

Games like “Hide,” in which a player and partner race around a room hitting buttons in a numbered sequence, are physically involved. Telshaw said some people have used the facility to replace their gym memberships.

“It’s a really cool, fun way to work some exercise into your routine,” Iisakka said.

The game experience costs $29.99 per person, and booking must be made for two people, even if a person wants a solo play experience. Discounted deals run for groups of 10 or more. Prizes like merchandise and gift cards can also be redeemed using a player’s Star rewards. The space can also be rented out to host events like birthday parties and celebrations.

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“We’re geared towards friends and families that want to play,” Telshaw said.

There’s also bragging rights at stake: Players are automatically added to a leaderboard and every month the top five scorers qualify for an end of year tournament. The winner gets a cash prize and their name on a trophy.

Active Games Roseville opened July 23 and celebrated Thursday with Roseville Mayor Dan Roe cutting a ceremonial ribbon with the staff and team.

“I could see how groups could have a lot of fun here,” Roe said.

Activate Games

Activate Games in Roseville is a new active gaming facility that opened July 23, 2024. (Courtesy of Activate Games)

What: Interactive, live-action gaming facility.
Where: 1955 County Road B2 W., Roseville
Hours: 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 9:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Info: To learn more or book an experience, visit playactivate.com/roseville.