Offering a new way to hit the pedal to the metal is Chaos Karts, an attraction which combines real-life racing with augmented reality, and it is located in the heart of Manchester. The UK’s first live action video game experience throws players into a virtual world, living inside a real-life video game to race-battle their friends, family, rivals and colleagues.
Opening back in September 2023 at the Old Granada Studios next door to the Science and Industry Museum and the Crystal Maze Experience in Manchester, Chaos Karts is engineered by The Ents Inc, bringing together the worlds of go-karting and augmented reality. This completely unique and highly innovative experience sees players burning rubber around a potentially infinite number of tracks in a digitally projected world, whilst their vehicle interacts with the virtual track and any challenges rival players might “launch” their way.
With no physical obstacles on the track and anti-collision technology, helmets and driving suits are not required to create a fun-fuelled experience for everyone aged eleven and above. The experience transports players worlds away from the everyday as they compete against each other to win points and races.
Using state-of-the-art technology, the karts will be kitted out with features to produce real life sensations and reactions that will immerse competitors fully into the high-energy thrill ride. Each race varies in design, complete with pumping music and ground-breaking in-game usable in-kart power-ups with weapons that will allow players to ‘battle’ right up to the finishing line.
Tom Lionetti-Maguire, who was also the Founder of Little Lion Entertainment, creators of The Crystal Maze and Tomb Raider Experiences, said of The Ents Inc’s new Chaos Karts attraction: “I’ve been obsessed with creating a real-life version of a videogame for some time now, and Chaos Karts is a thrilling result of that. We are so excited to showcase this all-new attraction firstly in Manchester, and then globally in the near-future.
“The gamification of experiences is a phenomenon that is here to stay, and this is the purest distillation of it. This is not just another game; it’s an entire journey filled with joy, humour and a nostalgic touch that will resonate with players of all generations!”
The attraction is open to all those over the age of 11 years old, and over the height of 153cm. Height restrictions apply to ensure the safe operation of the karts.
Chaos Karts is one of the biggest attractions in Manchester – so pit stop whatever you are doing fast, and book tickets here to avoid disappointment. Tickets start from just £23 per person.
Chaos Karts, Studio 1, Old Granada Studios, Lower Byrom Street, M3 4JP.