Square Enix Made A Restaurant Where You Watch People Game

In the past week, Square Enix has opened two restaurants. The first one Kotaku previously introduced, but not the second one. Let's change that. [Image: Mich Suzuki]

This is "Storia". It's located in Tokyo's Ikebukuro, and the concept is that patrons can watch people play video games while they eat. It vaguely reminds me of a karaoke bar.

[Image: Storia]

Blogger Mich Suzuki visited the new establishment, which is on the top floor of a Taito arcade.

[Image: Mich Suzuki]

Famitsu was also on hand for Storia's opening ceremony and has these food photos:

[Image: Famitsu]

So far, there are several events lined up, including ones for Dragon Quest Monsters Super Light, Dissidia and Street Fighter V.

[Image: Famitsu]

According to the official site, those who want to participate in certain events, like the Dissidia one, must enter a raffle for a chance to play. Not all events appear to have raffles to select players — instead, some have participation fees.

祝！池袋西口、STORIA オープン！
店内も店員さんも、すごい素敵！#STORIA pic.twitter.com/xvvevJsT2c

— 三宅賢一@ケンちゃん (@yuiaripapa) October 5, 2016

みなさんならどっち？
（1択で行く！）
今日STORIAオープンです（＾ω＾） pic.twitter.com/DElpsmVkFL

— タイトーステーション池袋西口店 (@Taito_Ikebukuro) October 5, 2016

Those who don't get play can enjoy eats and drinks as they watch others.

STORIAでのプレイは外のスクリーンに映されるらしい。格ゲーとかは向いてそうだけど、池袋駅前だから血が出るFPSとか萌えゲーだとつらい。スプラトゥーンが一番良いけど、アーケードじゃないしなあ pic.twitter.com/idfWU7JM8V

— すずき@マイクラ勉強中 (@michsuzu) October 5, 2016

And those who do play are broadcasted on a giant screen to the outside world. No pressure!