Ikea’s method is a little bit completely different. The castors on the Gaming Lounge Chair are designed to mean you can drag the chair nearer to the TV whenever you need to get extra into the motion, and additional again when it’s time to loosen up. And lots of the items within the new assortment have the same design philosophy.
The aspect desk caught my eye probably the most. On the underside, it has two typical legs, and two on castors. Once more, the desk is designed to be moved across the area, so it’s straightforward to get into the sport, but in addition straightforward to maneuver to a extra handy place when the sport is completed.
Nonetheless, international design supervisor for Ikea Johan Ejdemo highlights how designing furnishings that may be moved across the area presents new challenges—and new alternatives for options. “The workforce has finished some fairly intelligent and distinctive issues as nicely… [such as] the holder stand for the popcorn bowl, so it would not tip over.”
He’s referring to the metallic rim on the aspect desk, elevated barely above the floor. It not solely retains every part from sliding off when transferring the desk round, however it may possibly additionally assist forestall gamers from knocking over drinks when flailing round after that Darkish Souls boss drops them for the fiftieth time.
For PC players, the Gaming Station takes a distinct method. Inside, there’s area for a monitor, a keyboard tray, a spot to mount a desktop tower, and even area to tuck away a chair. It’s a complete gaming station that may disappear as quickly as you shut the doorways. And once they’re open, they even present a little bit of privateness.
The Gaming Room
After I first moved into my present residence, the ground plan on the location didn’t have typical labels like front room, bed room, or kitchen. As an alternative, it was labeled based mostly on actions like reside, relaxation, and… um… nourish. It felt a little bit foolish, but it surely additionally mirrored a extra task-focused method to fascinated about the rooms in my dwelling.
Ikea’s method to gaming furnishings feels extra considerate about how a room is definitely used than I’ve seen shortly. I’m nonetheless not completely certain all of it’s going to catch on. Ikea might not be using the Gamer Aesthetic™, however the firm nonetheless has its personal distinct type that you simply may love or hate, however you possibly can’t ignore.
The thought of gaming furnishings that’s designed to accommodate lengthy gaming periods, that anticipates messes earlier than they occur, and that’s versatile sufficient to morph into “regular” furnishings when it’s not wanted? These are design rules that would stick round. On the very least, I do know the model of me again in faculty would’ve cherished that aspect desk with a guardrail.