Esports venues are a relatively new type of commercial interior, and they require a very different approach from conventional leisure spaces. Technology is central to the experience, but a successful gaming venue is not simply a room filled with powerful computers. It needs atmosphere, identity and a layout that works for the way people actually play, compete and spend time together.
At Yuliya Forrest Interior Design, we have practical experience designing gaming and esports venues, including several dedicated gaming projects developed around PC gaming, competition and social interaction. We approach these interiors as both technical environments and entertainment destinations, considering player comfort, circulation, lighting, acoustics and visual identity as part of the same design.
The esports sector has developed considerably in recent years, and the spaces surrounding it are developing too. Today's venues can combine competitive gaming stations with casual gaming, tournament areas, spectator screens, streaming facilities, cafés, lounges and spaces for private or corporate events. British esports facilities increasingly reflect this broader model, functioning not simply as places to play but as social, competitive and entertainment hubs.
A gaming centre has an unusual relationship with its users. Players may remain at a workstation for several hours, often surrounded by screens, equipment, sound and other people doing exactly the same thing. Comfort therefore matters enormously.
The position and spacing of gaming stations, ergonomic seating, screen distances, circulation and personal space all need to be considered from the beginning. Lighting needs particular care. Gaming spaces naturally require controlled ambient light, but simply making a room dark and adding coloured LEDs rarely creates a sophisticated interior. Screen glare, contrast, wayfinding and visual comfort all have to work alongside the atmosphere.
This is where interior design can give an esports venue a much stronger identity. Integrated lighting, architectural details, graphics, materials and carefully controlled colour can create a sense of energy without overwhelming the space. The technology should feel as though itbelongs within the architecture rather than having been installed after the interior was completed.
Acoustics are another important consideration. Dozens of players, mechanical keyboards, conversations, game audio and spectator activity can quickly create an uncomfortable environment. The selection of surfaces, ceilings, partitions and acoustic materials can help manage sound while becoming part of the visual language of the venue.
