Check Point Lounge in Karbala is a unique gaming haven with a vision

KARBALA, October 21 — Check Point Lounge is redefining the conventional gaming center experience. This expansive facility, which opened as a trial nearly a month ago, offers more than just computers and PlayStation consoles. It is introducing a range of new tabletop games, most of which are making their debut in Karbala.

Five young Karbala residents from diverse academic backgrounds decided to make a strong entrance into the world of entertainment in their city. They dedicated three months to brainstorming, preparing, and designing the project before opening one of the largest electronic and card game lounges near the Hussein neighborhood resort, a burgeoning entertainment hub in the city center. The center’s management said their goal is to help Iraqi programmers make enhancements to electronic games.

Check Point Lounge has 34 PlayStation consoles and 20 computers, however, the center’s offerings extend beyond hardware, and feature a selection of card games similar to Monopoly.

Ali Rafil, one of the founders, shared the vision for creating a unique entertainment destination in Karbala.

“We introduced a new and unfamiliar concept to the Karbala gaming scene; it’s an attempt to provide a new gaming experience,” Rafil said. Before launching, he and his partners conducted a survey of other game lounges, analyzing their shortcomings in terms of seating and service delivery.

Check Point Lounge features a dedicated section for card and tabletop games, aside from traditional games like Backgammon and Domino.

The center introduced the new types of games and assigned staff to teach the rules to customers. They found a surprising level of interest, including a variety of strategy, war, and mental games, including ‘Secret Hitler,’ where players compete against each other as fascists and liberals. Other games rely on elements like detecting the “liar” and “bad luck.”

The partners also secured exclusive agents to sell many of the games inside Karbala, in addition to collaborating with several restaurants, securing a 15 percent discount for their customers, and offering coffee from one of Karbala’s well-known cafes.

Gamers will find imported German hookahs, a rarity in the city’s cafes and restaurants, at the center, as well as furniture designed for gaming. Those looking for a more private experience can book VIP rooms with additional services, such as Netflix and various food offerings.

The center is planning for a large official opening on November 10, in what the partners called an event unlike anything the city has seen in terms of game lounges. The opening will include tournaments in collaboration with event sponsors.

In the near-future, their goal is to offer courses in electronic game development to support young programmers.

They also have a policy to not allow children in the lounge during business hours and follow a rigorous security system for identifying suspicious cases.