Nex Team

Launching a family-focused gaming console at Gamescom means competing with massive AAA productions and flashy corporate displays. When Nex Team Inc. approached PIRATEx for their August 19-21 console demo, they had a different vision: create an authentic living room where families could experience their motion-controlled games naturally, not in a sterile demo booth.

The Challenge

Nex Team’s new console targets families seeking active, living room gaming experiences. But their Radisson Blu venue was a large, sterile hotel conference room with a big window and corporate atmosphere. The space was too big, too cold, and completely disconnected from their product’s core promise of cozy family play.

The console’s motion-controlled games required 2-3 meters of clear space for standing gameplay, space for two players simultaneously, plus a secondary demo area for casual visitors. All while maintaining the intimate, homey feeling that would make families imagine this console in their actual living rooms.

Our Approach

PIRATEx developed two distinct concepts that transformed the corporate space into authentic living environments. Both designs addressed the core challenge: making a hotel auditorium feel like home.

Concept 1 – Bright & Playful Family Hub: Mobile semi-high panels in brand colors divided the oversized room. The main gaming area leveraged natural light from the large window, furnished with light fabric sofas, colorful beanbags, and soft carpeting. 

Concept 2 – Natural & Cozy Living World: Floor-to-ceiling light wood slat walls with integrated plants created intimate zones. The main area became a complete stylish living room with corner sofas in warm tones, while a café-style secondary area encouraged conversation. Wood elements and hidden cables maintained the authentic home feeling.

Beyond conceptual design, PIRATEx handled complete execution: furniture rental, technical setup with gaming-ready 65-inch 4K TVs, strategic cable management, and full installation across the three-day event.

The Impact

The transformation worked exactly as intended. Gamescom visitors didn’t just test a new console, they experienced how it would fit into their actual homes. At Gamescom, standing out means more than just having the latest tech, it’s about creating experiences that connect emotionally with your audience.

PIRATEx proved that sometimes the most powerful demo environment isn’t the most high-tech one, but the one that feels most like home.