Cinematic experience: Group spends $435 to play video games at movie theatre in Funan Mall

Bigger isn't always better when it comes to gaming. But if your setup at home just isn't cutting it for you, consider taking a leaf from this man's book for the ultimate (and literal) cinematic gaming experience.

After dropping $435 to rent an entire cinema hall at Golden Village Funan for three hours of silver screen video gaming, the man, who goes by Les Yam, touted it as a "once in a lifetime" experience in a post on Facebook group Complaint Singapore.

"This is not a complaint. Just want to share our awesome gaming experience at a cinema at Funan on Nov 21 and to show our support for local businesses," Les Yam wrote.

The package came with a free flow of popcorn and drinks for the group of four, which consisted of him, his wife and two other friends, he added.

Using his own Xbox One S console (Golden Village does not provide gaming consoles, Les Yam says) the group played a selection of games, including Overcooked, Moving Out, and Think of the Children while reclining in the plush leather seats.

Quickly inundated with queries from curious netizens, Les Yam shared in an update that the group had reached out to several cinema operators with their request, but had only received a reply from Golden Village.

Besides the $435 package, they were also given the option of a $455 package with food included, he said.

The entire booking process was simple: settle on a package, test the console at the hall beforehand, sign a contract, and make the payment.

However, according to Les Yam, only a maximum of five pax are allowed per booking — presumably due to the current five-person limit on social gatherings.

There's also no WiFi, so do bring along an ethernet cable if you're planning to play online.

Responding to some netizens who said it was "wasted" that the group had not chosen more graphically demanding games to make the most of the big screen and surround sound, he explained that the games they chose are "[co-operative] games so my wife and my friends can enjoy" together.

In any case, the group still had "crazy fun" Les Yam said.

While local cinemas have yet to officially hop on the in-hall gaming bandwagon, gamers across the Causeway can enjoy a similar (but much cheaper) experience at Golden Screen Cinemas.

Launched just last month, the Malaysian cinema's three-hour packages are priced at RM188 (S$61.67) sans refreshments and RM250 with food and drinks included.

[embed]https://www.facebook.com/GSCinemas/posts/10159403461682275[/embed]

kimberlylim@asiaone.com