It is a well-known place for fans of games and immersive adventures in the Pyrénées-Orientales. The site escapegame.fr, a reference in the field, has just designated the Saleilles games complex, near Perpignan, as the best in France for its “action game”. More than a prize, it is a real crowning achievement for Frédérique, Rudy and Léo, the founders.
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Let's put on our sneakers! Here we go for an hour of challenges. Here, we play with family or friends, one key word: speed, cohesion and good humor. “It feels good but it’s cardio” Sabine tells us breathlessly but with a smile on her lips between two events.
Christophe and his family are regulars. Objective: surpassing oneself in a good mood.
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© Victor Peres-Boucheron/Elsa Panadès
“Best escape game decor in Occitanie”, “6th best escape game in the world” this time it is for its action game that this company based in Saleilles, near Perpignan and created by three Catalans has just been recognized as number 1 in France.
It is a source of great pride for us, in Perpignan, compared to our competitors who have been giants for around twenty years already. It's just happiness, encouragement, especially since we didn't expect it.
Fédérique Boni, co-founder of Gameside
Unlike escape games, it will not be a question of solving puzzles but of accomplishing challenges, physical or coordination, always as a team.
It’s a life-size adventure. There are around twenty challenges to complete while crossing four different universes. You will go from a wizard school to an Aztec adventure via the pirate bay and a stars zone. The goal is to get the best possible score while obviously having fun.
Rudy Chelli, co-founder of Gameside
Rudy and his associates did not invent this immersive game. The action game was born in the 1990s, inspired by the famous TV game Fort Boyard. Since then, several complexes have taken up the idea, each developing their own action game. This is the case of Prison Island, Time Tripper, Bomb Squad or even “Out of Control” by Koezio. Each action game has its own atmosphere, its worlds, its settings, its challenges. Coming “sublimate the recipe” as Rudy explains to us in all humility, Gameside has carved out a special place for itself in the industry. “We brought all our know-how and our passion to it.”
Gameside Saleilles is 4 universes, 19 events
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© Victor Peres-Boucheron/Elsa Panadès
A communicative passion given the attendance. Since its opening in 2021, the complex has welcomed an average of 48,000 players each year, 29,000 for its action game alone. That evening, several teams pass each other in the corridors, entering and leaving rooms with sensational decorations, to the maddening pace of the clock.
Christophe came with his family. Parents, children, there are six of them, ready to take on the game: 19 events, 4 universes. On the program: obstacle courses, games of skill, ball throwing and a test that will put the nerves of this team to the test, rebuilding a pirate ship on a bridge inclined at 35 degrees. “I’m fine, I chose the right position” shouts Jennifer, clinging to the bar. For others, who are trying to repair the hull, hoist the sail or bail, “it’s much more of a hassle”. And despite their best efforts… You failed! Punctuate your voice at the end of the test.
We come frequently and it’s always a treat, a new pleasure. We never get tired of it. The adrenaline, the racing, surpassing yourself every time to do better. It's great.
Christophe, experienced player
The dreaded ordeal of Pirate Bay
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© Victor Peres-Boucheron/Elsa Panadès
We have so many ideas, it's frustrating not to do them all because the days are only 24 hours long. But that doesn't mean we already have new game ideas, new concepts. We don't lack imagination, just time. But we are structuring ourselves, we are going to do everything.
Rudy Chelli, co-founder of Gameside
But definitely not going to talk to Rudy about the success story. He will answer you that “for the moment, it’s an ambition story. We’ll talk about success in ten years.” And ambition Rudy, Frédérique and Léo have it in spades since, with their experience in Saleilles and after having franchised a complex in Lyon, new projects are being created in Pau, Cannes and Créteil. The concept appeals beyond the Pyrénées-Orientales and is even exported elsewhere in Europe. Gameside will soon be present in Friborg in Switzerland as well as in Barcelona with, we bring you exclusively, two new universes: Mysterious Egypt and Wild Wild West.
