The hidden rules of an Action Game: What nobody tells you before you play...

You've heard about action games.

You've seen a video circulating on social media.

Maybe you've even searched "action game Lyon" on Google one evening, out of curiosity.

And then you asked yourself THE question:

"But concretely… how does it work?"

That's perfectly normal.

Because unlike bowling, escape games, or laser games, Action Game is still a relatively new concept. And many people arrive without really knowing what to expect.

So today, we're going to explain everything.

The rules, how it runs, the game modes, how the wristband works, what's allowed and what isn't.

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Rule 1: One session = 60 minutes

Let's start with the basics.

An Action Game session at Pixel Rush lasts exactly 60 minutes.

Why 60?

30 minutes is too short. You don't have time to get into the experience, understand the mechanics, and move through the rooms.

90 minutes is too long. The physical intensity of our games means the body eventually says stop. And we want you to leave wanting to come back — not with jelly legs.

60 minutes is the ideal duration. It's enough time to play all 8 rooms, try different modes and difficulty levels, and hit a proper adrenaline peak.

And most importantly: during those 60 minutes, you have unlimited access to every game.

Rule 2: 8 rooms, 8 worlds, no fixed route

Here's a point that surprises a lot of people:

At Pixel Rush, you don't follow a route.

You're free.

All 8 themed rooms are open and you choose the order you do them in. You can repeat the same room several times if you love it. You can go back to the one that beat you for a rematch. You can skip one that doesn't tempt you.

You decide.

Why this approach?

Because we've learned that a group of 2 doesn't play the same way as a group of 8. That teenagers don't want the same things as colleagues on a team-building day. And that a great experience is one that adapts to YOU.

Not the other way around.

Here are the 8 rooms waiting for you at Pixel Rush:

Grid

Each room has its own atmosphere, its own lighting, its own music, its own gameplay. You never feel the same thing twice.

Rule 3: Each game lasts between 1 and 3 minutes

This is a rule many people don't notice at first, yet it completely changes the rhythm of the session.

Each round, in each room, lasts between 1 and 3 minutes.

Why does that matter?

Because it's precisely the right length to stay 100% intense without switching off.

Result: over 60 minutes, you can play 15, 20, 25 different rounds.

BOOK YOUR SESSION AT PIXEL RUSH!

Rule 4: Teams of 1 to 5 players. Beyond that, you split.

Here's how team composition works at Pixel Rush.

Each game is designed to accommodate between 1 and 5 players per team.

Can you come alone? Yes, some games are playable solo.

Coming as a couple? Perfect, two works great.

There are 5 of you? The team is complete and you can all play together in the same room.

And if there are more of you?

No problem. Pixel Rush accommodates groups of 10 or more. Simply, from 6 people onwards, you form multiple teams that can play simultaneously in different rooms — or compete against each other in the same room.

This setup is particularly well suited for:

• Birthdays
• Team-buildings
• EVJF/EVG (stag and hen dos)
• Group outings of 8, 10, 12 people
• Family outings

Rule 5: The wristband — your best ally

This is probably THE rule you need to understand well before playing.

From the moment you arrive, you're given a game wristband.

This wristband isn't a gadget. It's your identity throughout the entire session.

What does it do?

• It identifies you at the entrance to each room
• It records your scores in real time
• It tracks your progress over time
• It unlocks rewards based on your performance

In practice, you "scan" your wristband before each round. The system knows who you are, records what you do, and accumulates your points.

Why is that brilliant?

Because it turns the session into a personal quest.

You're not just "playing for the sake of it." You're playing for your score. The one that's displayed, the one your friends can see, and the one you'll want to beat next time.

Rule 6: Multiple game modes per room. And it changes everything.

Each room offers several game modes, and it's probably what makes Pixel Rush an experience you won't find anywhere else.

The two main types, you already know:

Cooperative mode.

You play together. Against the game. Against the clock. The objective: reach a shared score, as high as possible.

Here, cohesion is key. Communication. Collective strategy. Perfect for a team-building, a family outing, or bonding with a group of friends.

Competitive mode.

You play against each other. Everyone for themselves. The best score wins.

Here, ego does the talking. And let's be honest: this mode tends to produce the loudest shouts, the sharpest banter, and the most epic rematches.

But beyond these two families, each room has its own variants. With more than 20 different game modes across all rooms, you have literally hundreds of possible combinations.

Rule 7: Difficulty unlocks gradually

This is a point we want to highlight. And it's probably what keeps our customers coming back.

At Pixel Rush, each room offers 10 difficulty levels.

But note: you don't start at level 10.

Levels 1 to 5 are available from the start. Levels 6 to 10 unlock as you progress.

The more you play, the more you evolve. The more you evolve, the more challenging levels open up to you.

Why is that great?

Because it means an 8-year-old child, a fit adult, a grandmother and a sporty teenager can all play in the SAME room.

BOOK YOUR SESSION AT PIXEL RUSH!

Rule 8: The minimum age is 6 (but pay attention)

It's a question we get all the time, so let's be precise.

The minimum age to play at Pixel Rush is 6 years old.

But note one important point:

Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. And that adult counts as a participant in the booking.

In other words: you can't drop off your 10-year-old and go for a coffee while you wait. You play with them.

Good news: it's often the best part.

Many parents come to give their kids a treat and leave saying "I was the one who had the most fun."

Rule 9: Some people cannot play (and you need to know this)

This is a rule we don't love highlighting, but it's important in the interest of transparency.

Pixel Rush is physically intense, with cardio, fast movements, lights and constant sensory stimulation.

The activity is not recommended for:

• People with heart conditions
• Pregnant women
• People with epilepsy

This isn't excessive caution. Our rooms use dynamic light effects, changes of pace and require real physical effort.

On the other hand, good news on the accessibility front:

Pixel Rush is designed with wheelchair accessibility across a large part of the complex. Tables, screens, toilets and certain activities are accessible. If you have specific questions about accessibility, the on-site team can give you full details.

Rule 10: What you wear matters

We'd rather warn you now.

An Action Game is physical.

You run, jump, crouch, hit, dodge and laugh (a lot).

After 60 minutes, you'll be sweating.

So, a few strict dress code rules to follow:

• Opt for comfortable clothing. Forget skinny jeans, skirts, fitted shirts, or dresses. A t-shirt, jogging bottoms or comfortable shorts will do the job perfectly.
• Wear closed-toe shoes. Flip-flops, sandals, open shoes or heels are not permitted for your safety.
• Think about bringing water. There is a water fountain on site, but some people prefer their own bottle.

Rule 11: No downtime (and that's why it works)

In many activities, you wait.

You wait your turn at bowling. You wait for the game master to set up the next puzzle in an escape game. You wait for a lane to free up at karting.

At Pixel Rush, you don't wait.

The rooms are designed so you can move seamlessly from one to the next. A room frees up? You go in. You finish? You head to the next one.

For 60 minutes, you're in near-continuous motion.

It's intense. Yes.

But it's also why time flies.

How many customers say as they leave: "Already? We only just arrived!"

The rules nobody told you about (but that matter)

We've covered the official rules.

But there are a few "unwritten" rules we'd like to share with you. The ones that make the difference between a good session and an unforgettable one.

Come with the right people.

An Action Game is a revealer. You'll see who's competitive, who never gives up, who quits easily. Come with people you want to share those moments with.

Leave your ego at the door.

You will lose. You will miss easy targets. You will trip over your own feet. That's OK.

Listen carefully to the briefing.

When you arrive, the team gives you a quick briefing on the rules, the wristband and the safety instructions. Some customers skip this, thinking "yes, yes, we get it." Big mistake. Those 3 minutes of explanation save you time during the session and make your rounds much smoother.

Start with an easy room.

Don't dive headfirst into the hardest room right away. Keep something in reserve and build up in intensity.

Hydrate between rooms.

It sounds obvious. But a group that takes a sip of water between rooms lasts longer and comes out less exhausted.

Go back to the rooms that beat you.

If a room got the better of you, don't wait for "next time." Sessions are open. You can go back to the same room 2, 3, 4 times. The rematch is immediate.

Practical info: everything you need to know before you come

To wrap up, here are the essential practical details:

Address: 10 Rue Thomas Blanchet, 69008 Lyon

Getting there: Tram T6, Mermoz-Moselle stop, or bus 24 and 34, A. Paré-Seignemartin stop

Price: €25 per player for a 1-hour session

Booking: online at pixelrush.fr, strongly recommended (especially at weekends)

Parking: free parking on site, or street parking nearby

Lockers: lockers available to store your belongings

Drinks: drinks available for purchase on site, free water fountain

Final word

There you go. Now you know.

You know the rules. You know how the wristband works. You know how long each game lasts. You know how teams are set up. You know what's waiting for you.

You have everything you need for a great first session.

There's only one thing left to do.

Come.

We'll be waiting for you.

Book your session now at Pixel Rush by clicking the button below:

BOOK YOUR SESSION AT PIXEL RUSH!

Read also:
60 minutes without screens. What an Action Game does to your brain
What our customers really think about our Action Game in Lyon
5 skills your children develop (without realising) in an Action Game
How an Action Game strengthens the bond between couples
The 7 types of players in Action Games: which one are you?
The 10 most common mistakes in Action Games (and how to avoid them)
Why Action Game makes you happy (and science backs it up)
How Action Games improve concentration and reflexes