Canadian chain renting out movie theaters for gaming

by Randy Nelson { Aug 15th 2008 at 9:00PM }

CBC News reports that Canadian theater chain Cineplex has begun renting out auditoriums at its locations during "downtime" for the sole purpose of very-big-screen gaming. The company will offer two-hour, up to 12-person rentals for CAN$179 (US$169), which includes use of a supplied Xbox 360 and games from an on-site library (although the gamer or gamers ponying up the cash can bring their own games to play on the 50' screen – how considerate!).

The CBC piece mentions that Cineplex locations generally have between 12 and 24 hours a week open for game-ifying its theaters, and that sessions of four hours or more can be arranged with management (as can extra-late-night events). The chain began testing in-theater gaming three years ago in conjunction with Microsoft, and utilizes LCD projectors capable of HD resolutions. Given the partnership with MS, we're not too sure how accommodating Cineplex would be to bringing a PS3 or Wii of your own to hook up, but we'd love to hear from any Canadian readers willing (and able) to give it a shot.

[Thanks, Kersch!]

Tags: big-screen, canada, cineplex, theatres

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

liam @ Aug 15th 2008 9:10PM

I can tell you that when I was working at famous players as a kid we would do this after work. 1am ps2 sessions were fun.

GreyFox @ Aug 15th 2008 9:16PM

I worked at one in Winnipeg and the Halo tournaments were nuts. Resolution was shitty back then but apparently they have digital projectors now.

Shmil @ Aug 15th 2008 10:04PM

when i was at a regal in my town we'd occasionally do 4v4 private halo matches on the big screen along with watching any dvd we wanted.

To any projectionists out there, a widescreen dvd will frame up perfectly on a screen if you close the masking as if for a flat movie.

Shmil @ Aug 15th 2008 10:08PM

as for the wii, the hard part is setting up the IR sensor bar

The night brawl came out I was able to navigate the wii's menu by putting the IR sensor on the bottom of the port glass window and selected the game from the projection booth.

I guess a wireless sensor bar could work if you taped it to the bottom of the screen

IcedOmega13 @ Aug 16th 2008 2:54AM

You can actually use candles for a wii. Just set them apart on each side of the screen or within the wiimotes sight and it will work just fine.

I know this, because I have a destructive cat.

Abuzar Baloach @ Aug 16th 2008 8:20AM

Haha, you light candles every time you play on the Wii?

Sounds like some religion or something lol.

Dirty @ Aug 15th 2008 9:11PM

My childhood dreams are happening.

Ivan @ Aug 15th 2008 9:18PM

The Imax in Winnipeg has been doing this for several years now.

and its 3 buck cheaper

http://www.imaxwinnipeg.com/games

DVersion @ Aug 15th 2008 9:32PM

We set up a wii at the ineplex I worked at during employee events. first time I actually had fun playing mario kart.

Ciatrick Leodis McKelvin @ Aug 15th 2008 9:33PM

sounds very fun

Brandon @ Aug 15th 2008 9:38PM

Will definitely give this a go next week for a mate's birthday. Thanks for the idea, and I'll send you guys some pics & notes on the event.

Chase @ Aug 15th 2008 10:02PM

While this is a very neat idea, I can't help but dwell on "CAN$179 (US$169)." My how the mighty have fallen.

Bass Masterson @ Aug 16th 2008 10:53PM

More like "my how the mighty have cycled". The currencies go up and down, but the US dollar spends 99% of the time on top.

And how did you post from an igloo anyway?

Chase @ Aug 16th 2008 11:33PM

I live in Las Vegas, sir; which is in the U.S. ;]

DemonGSides @ Aug 15th 2008 10:10PM

local theater's been doing this for years.

XGM @ Aug 15th 2008 10:24PM

Yea ive gone to a local theater, they charged 20$/hour and 50$ for 3 hours. Got a few friends, so we managed to get a PS3, 360 and Wii. Wasn't bad for 50$, but at 175$ id think again... Heck better off getting a few friends to pitch in for one of them 600$ projectors.

Noshino @ Aug 15th 2008 10:26PM

Ivy....I can just see it....yum

Obie @ Aug 15th 2008 10:37PM

Now THAT would be a LAN party! One team per theatre!

Psaakyrn @ Aug 15th 2008 10:43PM

Though it might be better to construct your own sensor bar imo...

A person @ Aug 15th 2008 11:51PM

My local theater has been doing this for years. They still have the same ad for it since they started doing it. A picture of Master Chief in the first Halo. I have no idea how much it is or what games they have to play....

Flakundenga @ Aug 16th 2008 12:01AM

so according to my trusty calculator that would be $14.92 if split up among 12 people. not bad at all, i could already imagine it - huge screen, awesome surround system. only problem is none of my friends play xbox; i'm the only girl who does. besides i think i'll rather spend that money shopping :D

Jerk Face @ Aug 16th 2008 12:16AM

Pffft! Dames!

...

(I keed, I keed!)

Dr. @ Aug 16th 2008 12:02AM

Rock. Band.

snarfoogle @ Aug 16th 2008 12:21AM

I don't use the suffix gasm rampantly but I can think of quite a few words I'd like to combine it with when the thought of Halo splitscreen on a movie theater screen comes to mind

Autopsy15 @ Aug 16th 2008 3:22PM

Halorgasm.

The Alex @ Aug 16th 2008 3:35AM

I was in a Smash Bros Brawl tourney a couple months back at a local movie theatre (not owned by Cineplex though). Playing Smash Bros on the big screen was absolutley amazing. Hell, even watching the other matches on the big screen was wicked. This is one of those times when the price is justified because of such a sweet experience.

How wicked would it be to play something like Resident Evil 5 (when it finally releases) for the first time in a big ass movie theatre?

Greg2k @ Aug 16th 2008 4:21AM

I played in a Smash Bros. Melee tournament in a university auditorium a couple of years ago, and while the resolution and overall visual quality sucked, that was one incredible experience.

Came third :(

Will @ Aug 16th 2008 7:39AM

Yeah, one of the local theaters here has the same thing, it's also great for indie film makers, who can "premiere" their movies in a real theater with stadium seating for cheap.

Havoc627 @ Aug 16th 2008 8:09AM

I just booked a session for next week at the colossus theater in woodbridge. this is an exclusive deal with microsoft. It says clearly on the contract that you 'cannot bring other consoles, such as Sony PS3 or Nintendo Wii'.

The Rabbid @ Aug 16th 2008 11:08AM

I'm Canadian and I'm totally willing to do this. If I get a bunch of friends and pitch in, I would totally do it. Also, single player Condemned 2 on a giant screen would RULE!

Darkendes @ Aug 17th 2008 4:52AM

Man. Where do you guys live in the US that theaters let you play games? I'm moving there.

This reminds me of the ilovebees end-game event, just before the launch of Halo 2, where they had 4 theaters located across the US that were all connected on Xbox Live playing against each other 4 on 4 on 4 on 4... That was such an awesome idea.

I wanted to be there so bad...