Oak Brook, Illinois is now home to a cutting-edge entertainment experience that promises to transform ordinary outings into extraordinary adventures. Great Big Game Show, an immersive live-hosted attraction, has opened its first Illinois location at the Oakbrook Center, bringing the excitement and unpredictability of television game shows to the public in a hands-on format.
This new venue represents a significant development in the interactive entertainment industry, offering participants the chance to step into the spotlight and become contestants in their own game show. The concept, which has already seen success in cities like Nashville, Houston, and San Francisco, aims to redefine group activities by blending the thrill of competition with the glamour of a TV studio setting.
At Great Big Game Show, guests are divided into red and blue teams, competing in a series of challenges inspired by iconic game show formats. The experience is designed to be fully immersive, featuring a high-tech set complete with dazzling lights, sound effects, and vibrant scoreboards that recreate the atmosphere of a live broadcast. A charismatic host guides participants through various rounds, each offering a unique style of gameplay and exciting challenges.
Jonathan Murrell, co-founder and CMO of The Escape Game, the company behind Great Big Game Show, emphasized the uniqueness of the experience. "We have a mix of 18 rotating mini-games paired with interactive elements, fun challenges and a live host to make each visit different for all guests," Murrell stated. This variety ensures that the attraction remains fresh and engaging, even for repeat visitors.
The games themselves cover a wide spectrum of skills and interests, ranging from minute-to-win-it challenges and puzzle-solving to trivia and games of chance. This diverse array of activities is designed to appeal to a broad audience and cater to different strengths, making it an ideal venue for family outings, team-building exercises, or social gatherings.
The launch of Great Big Game Show in Oak Brook is particularly significant for the local entertainment landscape. It introduces a novel concept that bridges the gap between passive entertainment and active participation, potentially setting a new standard for group activities in the area. The attraction's ability to provide a different experience with each visit could make it a go-to destination for both residents and visitors seeking unique entertainment options.
From an industry perspective, the expansion of Great Big Game Show into Illinois signals a growing trend in experiential entertainment. As consumers increasingly seek out interactive and immersive experiences, attractions like this are well-positioned to capture market share from more traditional entertainment venues. The success of this concept could inspire similar ventures, potentially leading to a broader transformation of the entertainment sector.
The timing of the Oak Brook location's opening, just ahead of the holiday season, is strategic. It offers a new option for holiday gatherings and corporate events at a time when people are actively seeking memorable experiences to share with friends, family, and colleagues. This could provide a significant boost to the local economy, attracting visitors to the area and potentially benefiting surrounding businesses in the Oakbrook Center.
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, concepts like Great Big Game Show represent a shift towards more engaging, participatory forms of entertainment. By blending the familiarity of game shows with the excitement of live participation, this attraction offers a unique value proposition in the competitive landscape of leisure activities. Its success in Oak Brook could pave the way for further expansion, not only of this particular brand but also of similar interactive entertainment concepts across the country.


