In the past week, Square Enix has opened two restaurants. The first one Kotaku previously introduced, but not the second one. Let’s change that.
This is “Storia.” It’s located in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro, and the concept is that patrons can watch people play video games while they eat. It vaguely reminds me of a karaoke bar.
Blogger Mich Suzuki visited the new establishment, which is on the top floor of a Taito arcade.
Famitsu was also on hand for Storia’s opening ceremony and has these food photos:
So far, there are several events lined up, including ones for Dragon Quest Monsters Super Light, Dissidia, and Street Fighter V
According to the official site, those who want to participate in certain events, like the Dissidia one, must enter a raffle for a chance to play. Not all event appear to have raffles to select players and, instead, have participation fees.
https://twitter.com/embed/status/783497444436811776
みなさんならどっち？
（1択で行く！）
今日STORIAオープンです（＾ω＾） pic.twitter.com/DElpsmVkFL— タイステ池袋西口店🧟♂️X-STATION (@Taito_Ikebukuro) October 5, 2016
Those who don’t get play can enjoy eats and drinks as they watch others.
STORIAでのプレイは外のスクリーンに映されるらしい。格ゲーとかは向いてそうだけど、池袋駅前だから血が出るFPSとか萌えゲーだとつらい。スプラトゥーンが一番良いけど、アーケードじゃないしなあ pic.twitter.com/idfWU7JM8V
— すずき (@michsuzu) October 5, 2016
And those who do play are broadcasted on a giant screen to the outside world. No pressure!
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