A Throwback to the Golden Age of Gaming
DreamHack Atlanta 2025 is bringing a dose of nostalgia to this year’s festival, thanks to a new partnership between Walmart and ESL FACEIT Group. The two are teaming up to launch the Walmart Delivers: Lo-Fi Play Experience, a retro-inspired gaming hub that celebrates the pixelated charm of the 1980s and 1990s.
Running from October 31 to November 2, 2025, at the Georgia World Congress Center, the pop-up event is part of Walmart’s travelling “Walmart Delivers” tour, a series that reimagines the retailer’s classic delivery truck as an interactive destination for gamers and families alike.
Inside the Lo-Fi Play zone, fans can dive into classic video and board games from decades past, pose for 8-bit photo ops, and compete on a live leaderboard for a chance to win free gaming gear available at Walmart. The setup perfectly captures what the brand calls “lo-fi gaming”, the iconic pixelated visuals and simple mechanics that defined early console and arcade eras.
Nostalgia Meets Modern Esports
DreamHack Atlanta has long been a celebration of gaming culture, and the 2025 edition is shaping up to be the biggest yet. The three-day festival will feature esports tournaments, cosplay contests, indie game showcases, and creator meetups, drawing tens of thousands of attendees from around the world.
Andreas Jernberg, Vice President of Commercial at ESL FACEIT Group, shared his excitement for the partnership:
“We’re thrilled to welcome Walmart and their Walmart Delivers experience to DreamHack Atlanta. Their lo-fi gaming hub is a fantastic addition that adds a nostalgic spirit to our event, offering a unique and engaging experience for our attendees.”
Expanding Walmart’s Footprint in Gaming Culture
This collaboration marks Walmart’s latest move into the gaming world, joining other major DreamHack Atlanta sponsors such as Red Bull, DHL, and Anthros. As more global brands recognise the reach and influence of gaming communities, Walmart’s activation reflects a growing trend of experiential marketing that bridges retail and gaming culture.
The “Walmart Delivers” tour won’t stop in Atlanta either. Following DreamHack, the retro gaming truck will continue its journey across major U.S. cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas, giving fans nationwide a chance to step back into the lo-fi era.
Esports Highlights at DreamHack Atlanta 2025
Alongside the retro hub, DreamHack Atlanta 2025 will also showcase some of the year’s most anticipated esports competitions.
- Marvel Rivals Ignite Grand Finals: 12 teams will battle for a share of a US$1 million prize pool in NetEase Games’ new hero shooter.
- DreamHack Knockout (CS2): An open Counter-Strike 2 tournament where players can qualify for the ESL Pro League.
- SNK World Championship 2025: Fighting game fans can look forward to Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, The King of Fighters XV, Samurai Shodown, and Art of Fighting 3, with a combined US$4.1 million prize pool.
With its blend of competitive esports, community fun, and nostalgic attractions, DreamHack Atlanta 2025 promises to be one of the most memorable stops on the gaming calendar, and Walmart’s Lo-Fi Play experience is set to be a major highlight.
How to Join the Action
Gamers and fans can experience the Walmart Delivers Lo-Fi Play hub by attending DreamHack Atlanta 2025 in person at the Georgia World Congress Center from October 31 to November 2, 2025. Tickets and full event details are available on the official DreamHack website.
For anyone looking to relive the charm of the 8-bit era, or just grab some free gear, this is one stop you won’t want to miss.