Archive · 28 Aug 2026
From Gilli-Danda to VR: Gen Z Redefines Play
Older children often played outside with sticks, marbles and balls.
Today, many young people play games on phones, computers and consoles.
Some now use VR headsets that make digital worlds feel more real.
They can pretend to ride roller coasters, fly or fight zombies.
In Indore, gaming zones offer these experiences for a few minutes at a time.
Prices range from Rs 50 to Rs 300 for the activities described.
Friends often enjoy watching one another react while playing.
VR gives Gen Z a quick break from college, work, traffic and everyday routines.
Traditional games such as gilli-danda, marbles, pitthu and cricket once centered on neighbourhood streets and open grounds.
Shrinking open spaces, busy schedules and changing lifestyles are pushing youngsters toward digital entertainment.
Mobile games including Subway Surfers, Temple Run, Candy Crush, Angry Birds and Fruit Ninja helped drive the shift.
Gaming has expanded from smartphones to PCs, consoles and immersive virtual-reality experiences.
Indore gaming zones offer short VR activities and longer sessions, generally priced between Rs 50 and Rs 300.
- Who
- Gen Z youngsters and college students in Indore are the main participants described.
- What
- Young people are shifting from traditional outdoor games to mobile, console, PC and virtual-reality gaming.
- When
- The article describes the current change in gaming habits; one gaming zone begins receiving visitors around 1 pm.
- Where
- Gaming zones and malls in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, including locations near C21 Mall and Phoenix Mall.
- Why
- Shrinking open spaces, packed schedules and changing lifestyles have made quick, immersive digital recreation more convenient.
- Traditional games
- Gilli-danda, marbles, pitthu and cricket once used streets and open grounds as playgrounds.
- Gaming progression
- The shift described runs from mobile games to PCs and consoles, and then to virtual reality.
- VR roller coaster
- A four-minute experience near C21 Mall costs Rs 99.
- Popular VR activity
- Paragliding at Strikke Playzone Gamezone costs Rs 199.
- Longer sessions
- VirtueStrike offers 20-minute sci-fi zombie games, PUBG and VR cricket for Rs 150 to Rs 300.
- Short experiences
- Metaverse Gaming World offers three-to-five-minute activities for Rs 50.
- Reported attraction
- Students said VR feels immersive and provides a quick escape from everyday routines.