Board games and video games are now essential under the Christmas trees and they are no longer reserved for children. Game bars are therefore booming and attract many young adults. Meet in Clermont-Ferrand, in two emblematic places of this culture.
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More than 1,500 games available, not always easy to choose in this games bar in downtown Clermont-Ferrand. The offer is plentiful, Valentin and his friends have chosen a classic. “We play Loup Garou, it’s a French game that is played with several people. It’s fun and quite strategic too.” These young people meet here about once a month. “It’s true that we could play anywhere, but going to a place where there are people, where you feel good, where there is life, it’s still more pleasant than at home.”
Camille, who also comes here quite regularly, plays Carcassonne, a strategy game that her roommate introduces her to. “Usually, I take a game that I already know because It takes time each time to get back into a game, to learn. But it’s good when there is someone who knows new games, to learn!” For Christmas, Camille and her two friends ordered board games.
Change of location and atmosphere, still in Clermont, at the Checkpoint Café, the city’s first games bar opened in 2016. Pierre and his playmates are in the middle of a video game tournament and are using their own controller here. Many are regulars: “In this place, we met lots of people who play this kind of game and with whom we can share things, become acquaintances, then friends, then see each other outside the game, outside the café”explains Pierre. Antoine plays Lorcana, a Disney card game released last year. “Players of Pokémon Magic and other games liked this game because it is well made, it is quite interesting to play. It’s a coffee that is quite authentic. I like the warm atmosphere. The people are very friendly, there is no judgement. It’s a place that is quite quiet, perfect for board games.”
An inveterate gamer since he was little, Mathias Provost is one of the two founders of this place entirely dedicated to gaming culture. “It’s a hobby that was initially very stigmatized, but which today has become something totally natural. It’s no longer a subculture. Having places to socialize related to this hobby has become something natural.” Return to the Baraka Games, where the evening continues happily. Lucas and his friends play “Your mother in underwear”. There are absolutely games for everyone.
