Plans have emerged for a next-generation pub, on Sydney’s Broadway, tapping the booming potential of the video gaming market.
Fortress Esports has submitted plans around what will be one of the largest ‘esports’ and video gaming venues in the southern hemisphere, catering for the ever-growing number of fans of these markets.
Set to be called ‘Fortress Sydney’ the $5.6 million development will occupy two levels in Central Park Mall, opposite the University of Technology, on Broadway.
The space will be transformed into a massive gaming facility and game-themed pub, with capacity for more than 1,000 patrons.
It will boast a mini-arena, with seating for over 200 people facing a huge gaming screen, as well as a fantasy-themed tavern and bistro, a sci-fi bar, arcade machines, console gaming suites and streaming pods. Also available will be private party booths, production studios, VIP areas, and spaces for gaming competitions.
The venue will strive to host multiple major functions per year, particularly esports competitions such as League of Legends and Counter Strike.
And there will be smaller events, including movie screenings and local gaming competitions, and a weekly Dungeons & Dragons group.
Fortress Esports launched Fortress Melbourne in March 2020 – just two weeks before the pandemic hit – and have thrived in spite of conditions, now looking to make the move north.
“This is a unique offering for Sydney as it’s significantly different from traditional pubs, where entertainment is typically live music with a DJ,” said a statement from the company.
“There are no other similar venues within Sydney, and it will provide a variety of entertainment from board games to computer games appealing to the growing gaming culture.”
Globally, the gaming market continues to soar in popularity, now worth more than $150bn annually. The interactive gaming sector in Australia in 2020 was estimated at $3.4bn, and it is expected this will grow to $4.9bn by 2025. Rumours abound of an esports Olympics coming soon.
The dedicated venue recognises the evolution of a phenomenon traditionally played from the comfort of home, as consumers are being further drawn to the social aspect of gaming, including interacting with real players unlike in traditional sports.
“It will provide a safe and fun place for patrons to bond over food and drinks while enjoying their favourite games,” says Fortress.
Beyond those playing and watching at the venue, the online market for watching others play esports has also been booming; in 2021 around four million people reportedly tuned in to watch the world championship final of League of Legends. This can bring massively expanded exposure for a venue.
Fortress Sydney plans to trade from 7am until midnight Sunday to Thursday and until 2am Friday and Saturday nights, but stay open as late as 5am during select events, to accommodate wider time zones for international gaming competitions.
The proposal is under assessment with City of Sydney. If approved, the operators hope to open in 2023.
