Tencent Collaborates With Tim Hortons to Build an Esports Cafe in China

Chinese video game company, Tencent is collaborating with a multinational fast food restaurant chain, Tim Hortons, to build an esports-themed cafe in Shenzhen, China. The two companies are looking to deliver an exciting new experience for Chinese gamers with an emphasis on esports and video games. The Tim Hortons x Tencent coffee shop will offer various video game-themed beverages and snacks, as well as interactive spaces and a dedicated esports zone where customers can experience sitting on an esports stage. It is yet to be revealed if the Tim Hortons x Tencent coffee shop will soon make its way outside China.

Tim Hortons and Tencent opens up an esports-themed coffee shop in China

Tencent is one of the leading Chinese technology conglomerates worldwide. The company is behind some of the biggest esports titles in the world such as Arena of Valor, Call of Duty: Mobile, PUBG Mobile, League of Legends: Wild Rift, and the most recent, Pokemon Unite. Besides their massive contribution to the esports industry, Tencent also offers internet and messaging services in China such as the mobile apps WeChat and QQ.

In partnership with the multinational fast food restaurant chain, Tim Hortons, Tencent has built an esports-themed cafe which is situated in Shenzhen, China. The cafe offers gamers the full esports experience with themed beverages, a dedicated esports zone where customers can simulate and experience esports, as well as interactive spaces such as a giant table where players can browse through hundreds of esports teams and pro player profiles.

This revelation was posted by video games writer, Daniel Ahmad, on his Twitter page. Daniel also revealed a few snapshots of the establishments, revealing a small esports stage, complete with gaming chairs, trophies, stage lighting, and a huge monitor.

Daniel has revealed through his Twitter post last year that the idea of an esports cafe has been explored by Tencent. The company reportedly invested an undisclosed amount of money back in May 2020 for this venture.

This was also during the time Tim Hortons also opened its first coffee shop in China. According to Daniel, the company is planning on opening over 1,500 coffee shops in the region.

In China, Tim Hortons is reportedly more focused on providing breakfast and lunch options rather than the usual snacks, coffees, and donuts that many Canadians are used to seeing.

With the rising popularity of the esports market, an esports-themed cafe is a great way to attract esports enthusiasts and promote the market to a wider audience. It will be interesting to see if this venture will be able to spread globally.