There was a time when a magician or clown was enough to keep a kid’s birthday party going, but times have changed, and in response, a new local business is giving birthday parties a 21st century kick.
The Ultimate Game Rover, a rolling mobile video game trailer, is the first of its kind in the Four Corners, according to owner Vern Rucker. It made its debut in the annual Parade of Lights down Main Street on Dec. 6.
“There are a lot of these in the big cities, so I think it’s pretty cool for a small town like Cortez to have something like this,” said Rucker. “I researched these about two years before I bought it, and everyone I talked to said it was a great business. The kids love it and have fun, and parents love that they don’t have a huge mess in the house after a party.”
The climate-controlled truck is outfitted with four 50-inch high-definition flat-screen TVs, four XBox 360 consoles, two Wii U consoles, and two Playstation 3 consoles. All screens are linked for tournaments so party guests can play each other. The truck holds up to 16 gamers and features a “game coach” to ensure that everything goes smoothly and everyone gets a turn.
Rucker says he’d had to do some research on how to use the gaming systems – before he had the Ultimate Game Rover his video game knowledge was limited to Mario – but the business plays to his other strong suit: working with kids.
Through his regular full-time job as a Cortez police officer, Rucker teaches the DARE program for fifth- and seventh-grade students in Montezuma County and also serves as a school resource officer.
“It’s not hard to find time (for the business) if what you’re doing is fun” said Rucker. “Watching kids smile and have a good time is motivation for me.”
Because video games aren’t just for kids anymore, Rucker says the Ultimate Game Rover is also available for corporate events and church functions. He’s planning to set up at festivals and offer pay-per-play options for interested gamers.
For more information on the Ultimate Game Rover, connect with them on Facebook or call 739-5550.