If you’re wondering what actually happens at a Gamewagon party — from booking through to the end of the event — this page walks you through it step by step. If you’re looking for package details and availability, see our gaming van page.
When we book a gaming party, we take a 50% deposit to secure the date. The booking isn’t confirmed until the deposit has been received.
We work this way to avoid last-minute cancellations that can prevent other families from booking a date they wanted.
The deposit is fully refundable up to one week before the party. At that point we send out a short prep email to confirm everything is still OK — things like access, parking, or any new roadworks that might affect arrival — and invoice for the remaining balance.
On the day of the party, we aim to arrive around 30 minutes before the start time.
Setup usually takes about 10 minutes. Our Game Experience Manager (GEM) connects a single extension lead to a standard domestic plug socket and powers up the consoles, screens and equipment inside the van.
Once the party starts, the children enter the Gamewagon and our GEM gets everyone playing together straight away.
Inside the van there are four large screens and four consoles — a mix of PlayStation, Xbox and always at least one Nintendo Switch.
Our emphasis is on social gaming, so guests play in groups. We focus on multiplayer and party-style games that are easy to pick up and work well in a shared setting. Depending on the group dynamic, the GEM may rotate players between games so everyone stays involved.
The Game Experience Manager is present throughout the party — managing games, helping players, and making sure everyone is included and having fun.
At the end of the session, it’s simply a case of switching everything off and unplugging the extension lead.
We leave with no mess and no fuss — just a group of happy, excited kids who’ve had a great gaming party.
Also check out our FAQ page for more information on our gaming party services in general.
We’ve covered the logistics above, which can sound a little mechanical on the page. In practice, our parties are anything but.
Our Game Experience Managers (GEMs) are friendly, fully trained and highly experienced in running gaming parties and events for children. They’re great at reading the room, handling different group dynamics, and making sure everyone is involved and enjoying themselves — whatever their age or personality.