Dave & Buster’s, the “eatertainment” concept that has long combined, food, drinks, and games, has extended its presence into the Metaverse with the creation of Dave & Buster’s World on the Roblox gaming platform, the casual-dining chain based in Coppell, Texas, said Tuesday.
The new virtual space features multiple games, all designed for multiple users so friends can play together. They include variations on football gaming classics Gridiron Blitz and Full Tilt, which in Dave and Buster’s World are virtual obstacle courses. Another option, Superball Dash, is a version of old-school lane rollers in which the player becomes a ball racing through exotic locations. There’s also a rail shooter game set in a zombie apocalypse called Zombie Survival, among others.
Dave & Buster's vice president of marketing, Peter Thornfield, told NRN that there would be virtual prizes that would translate into real-life benefits.
“There are ways to earn rewards inside the Dave & Buster’s World on Roblox that can be used in our IRL Dave & Buster’s," he said in an email. "We have a series of activities and promotions planned to drive engagement with the Dave & Buster’s World on Roblox that will also drive visits to our IRL Dave & Buster’s. For our launch, the first 5,000 people to play 5 games in the Dave & Buster’s World can earn $5 off game play at IRL Dave & Buster’s.”
Dave & Buster’s World was developed by Melon, which has collaborated with other brands, including Chipotle Mexican Grill, to develop Roblox games.
In a press release announcing the new platform, Dave & Buster’s CEO Chris Morris said the chain, which has always had arcade and other games as essential aspects of its operations, is well-suited to online gaming.
"Dave & Buster's is the pioneer in midway and arcade games,” he said. “That creativity and innovative spirit continues to drive us to explore new ways to expand our leadership in interactive experiences for our guests. I am excited for Dave & Buster's to enter this rapidly growing digital space with Dave & Buster's World."
Thornfield said in the release that he wanted the Roblox environment to have a similar feel to the actual restaurants.
"It was important to us that Dave & Buster's World fully capture the fun and interactive energy of a physical D&B," he said in the release. "We understand the power of multiplayer experiences, and we are proud to invest in technology and partnerships that deepen digital connections with our guests and complement the real-world experience that we are famous for. Reaching over 58 million daily users worldwide, Roblox is not only large but also a uniquely positioned platform for us to grow relevancy with its fastest growing segment; 17–24 year-olds."
Aspects of Dave & Buster’s restaurants that are also in its metaverse platform include the option to buy virtual “Power Drinks” that give the characters greater speed, strength, and skill. There’s also an online prize shop where users can trade in their virtual tickets for in-game customizations such as different trails, costumes, pets, and accessories, among other options.
Dave & Buster’s parent company, Dave & Buster’s Entertainment Inc., operates 151 namesake restaurants in 41 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada. It also operates 52 Main Event locations in 17 states with bowling, laser tag, arcade games, and virtual reality platforms.
Dave & Buster’s joins a growing roster of restaurant companies with a presence in the metaverse, including McDonald’s, Burger King, Starbucks, Yum Brands, Inspire Brands, and Wingstop, as well as Chipotle.
Contact Bret Thorn at [email protected]