15 hours Ago By JESSAMYN DODD Staff Writer
BRAWLEY — A unique entertainment experience has arrived in the heart of Imperial Valley, combining the thrill of gaming with the convenience of mobility. Next Level Gaming mobile gaming truck is making waves, offering residents a high-tech, on-the-go gaming adventure unlike any other. The trucks are essentially mobile gaming arcades, equipped with multiple gaming stations, large screens, and high-quality sound systems.
The 30-foot custom-designed truck, owned by Marva Walker II, a retired Air Force member, is loaded with a library of popular titles. It's an instant hit among kids, teens, and even adults looking to add excitement to their events. “I wanted to bring something that the city already had,” said Walker, explaining that she is not the originator of mobile gaming trucks, rather, she took the business idea and brought it to Brawley.
“For me to be able to bring it to the Imperial Valley was exposure for those kids that can’t get across the mountain, or those parents that can’t offer that exposure, at a VIP level.” She launched her business during the pandemic in 2019, when establishments like arcades and bowling alleys were closed. “It gave parents an opportunity to just stay home, and I come to you,” she said.
The truck can host up to several players at a time and is fully air-conditioned, making it perfect for the valley’s warm climate. Events like birthday parties, school fundraisers, and even corporate team-building sessions have already been booked weeks in advance. Walker stated, “There’s five T.
V.s in there and each television can hold four kids.” For school events, she limits which games are available, making it age appropriate.
“It’s not just for the eight year olds, or nine year olds or the teen parties,” Walker said. “Communication is the first thing,” she explained of her process to tailoring the gaming truck to different age groups and events. “We stay on XBOX 360 because we are able to upgrade the hard drive,” Walker said of keeping up with the constant change in the gaming industry and the release of new games.
. The truck also uses a new PS4. She says it’s all part of the maintenance of the business.
Walker disclosed that guests tend to choose older versions of the games.”Most people don’t want to play the new stuff because they haven’t really learned it.” However, she does offer the newer, updated games.
“It’s a skill set for where the world is going. Everything these kids are doing, they’re multi-tasking.” Some of the games like Minecraft teach kids how to code, and require attention to detail.
The city of Brawley is gearing up to launch an esports team for passionate gamers. “I think it’s great. Technology waits on no one, and this generation is going to be techies,” Walker shared.
“There’s a lot of money to be made in gaming,” she added, noting a growing trend of girls embracing the gaming scene. “They are out there!” Summing up the excitement surrounding the initiative, Walker exclaimed, “I want to be a nerd!” As the mobile gaming truck cruises through Imperial Valley, it’s clear that it’s more than just a business—it’s a game-changer for local entertainment..
