Mana Bar

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Playing games - Mana Bar Opening (4448238440)

Mana Bar was an Australian video game-themed bar and lounge that combined the social atmosphere of a bar with the interactive entertainment of video games. It was the first of its kind in Australia and one of the few in the world at the time of its opening.

History[edit | edit source]

Mana Bar was founded by Guy "Yug" Blomberg, Pras Moorthy, Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw, and Michael "Kaiser" David. The first location opened in Brisbane, Queensland on March 20, 2010. The concept was to create a space where people could enjoy both alcoholic beverages and video games in a social setting.

Following the success of the Brisbane location, a second Mana Bar was opened in Melbourne, Victoria in 2011. However, the Melbourne location closed in 2012, and the original Brisbane location followed suit in 2015.

Concept[edit | edit source]

Mana Bar was designed to be a social hub for gamers. It featured a variety of video game consoles and games, ranging from classic titles to the latest releases. The bar also hosted regular events, including game launches, tournaments, and themed parties. The interior was decorated with gaming memorabilia and had a distinct, vibrant atmosphere that appealed to both casual and hardcore gamers.

Events and Community[edit | edit source]

Mana Bar was known for its community-driven events. These included:

The bar also served as a meeting place for local gaming communities and was a popular spot for cosplay events.

Closure[edit | edit source]

Despite its initial success and unique concept, Mana Bar faced several challenges, including financial difficulties and competition from other entertainment venues. The Melbourne location closed in 2012, and the Brisbane location eventually closed in 2015.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Mana Bar remains a significant part of Australian gaming culture. It was one of the first venues to successfully merge the bar and gaming experiences, paving the way for similar establishments worldwide. The founders, particularly Yahtzee Croshaw, continue to be influential figures in the gaming community.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD