The new LBE landscape: quality reigns supreme

The LBE market is booming, projected to grow from £6.18 billion in 2025 to £23.34 billion by 2032. This growth isn't about more of the same; it's driven by a demand for richer, more interactive experiences. The traditional "arcade approach", focused on moving people through quickly, is losing ground. Instead, venues like Toca Social and Clays, which prioritise atmosphere and extended engagement, are setting the new standard.

Gen Z and Millennials, wielding significant spending power (trillions annually), are the architects of this shift. A remarkable 78% of them would rather spend on an experience than a material item, and 67% of Millennials are willing to pay a premium for unique entertainment, according to Wealth Formula. This clearly signals a market hungry for quality.

The key metric is no longer "throughput" but "dwell time." Longer engagement means more opportunities for social interaction, deeper brand connection, and increased spending. Zero Latency, for example, explicitly aims to lengthen dwell time and boost income per square foot through premium immersive experiences.

Decoding Gen Z: values driving engagement

Gen Z, as digital natives, expect seamless, personalised, and interactive experiences. While they live online, they crave authentic, real-world connections. Their core values shape their LBE preferences:

• Authenticity & trust: They value transparency and genuine brand commitments. Inauthentic attempts can severely backfire.

• Social connection & shareability: LBE offers crucial platforms for group experiences. They are keen to share "Instagrammable" moments, turning every visitor into a potential marketer.

• Sustainability: A non-negotiable. 60% would pay more for sustainable products, and 77% would avoid brands with poor environmental records.

• Personalisation & exclusivity: They expect tailored experiences and unique discoveries that reflect their individuality, even within a group setting.

These values mean LBE must offer more than just entertainment; it must provide meaningful, shareable, and values-aligned experiences.

Challenges and the turnkey solution

The path to quality-driven LBE isn't without hurdles. High initial investment, rapid technological obsolescence, and the constant need to maintain authenticity pose significant challenges. Operators need adaptable solutions that minimise risk while maximising engagement and revenue.

Introducing XIST Quickfire: your turnkey LBE solution

For venues looking to rapidly adapt and capitalise on the quality-driven LBE market, XIST Quickfire offers a revolutionary turnkey solution. Designed with Gen Z's preferences at its core, XIST Quickfire provides:

• Rapid deployment: immersive experiences are up and running quickly, minimising downtime and maximising revenue potential.

• Cutting-edge immersion: integration with the latest in XR technologies delivers the captivating and multisensory experiences that Gen Z is looking for.

• Social & shareable moments: experiences are inherently designed for group play and "Instagrammable" moments, driving organic social media buzz and word-of-mouth.

• Optimization for dwell time & ancillary spend: XIST Quickfire encourages longer engagement, seamlessly integrating opportunities for enhanced food & beverage sales, exclusive merchandise, and premium loyalty programmes.

• Flexible & future-proof content: the adaptable technology platform and modular game packs mitigate the risk of obsolescence, allowing for continuous innovation and fresh experiences.

• Authenticity by design: XIST Quickfire focuses on genuine engagement and personalised interactions, building trust and loyalty with your audience.

XIST Quickfire is more than just technology; it's a strategic partnership to transform your venue into a destination that resonates deeply with the modern consumer.