Design Tips & Tricks
As esports continues its meteoric rise in the UK and around the globe, the demand for state-of-the-art, immersive environments is accelerating. These venues are evolving far beyond simple gaming hubs—they are becoming cultural landmarks, event destinations, and digital performance spaces. Crafting such spaces requires more than just technical expertise; it calls for a nuanced grasp of competitive gaming dynamics and a keen awareness of how players, fans, and streamers engage with their surroundings.
Yuliya Forrest brings nearly two decades of international commercial design experience to this rapidly advancing field. Her diverse portfolio includes everything from immersive hospitality concepts to vibrant commercial interiors, and she approaches each project with a strong narrative sensibility—especially when the venue itself becomes part of the entertainment experience.
Her most ambitious esports endeavor to date is Eclipse, a cutting-edge cyber arena in Moscow. Spanning over 1,000 square meters of configurable space, Eclipse sets a new standard for esports venues in Eastern Europe. Every aspect of the design was meticulously planned to optimize player performance, facilitate audience movement, and deliver a fully immersive visual journey.
“Designing a cyber arena is about much more than arranging gaming stations and installing LED strips,” Yuliya shares. “It’s about engineering a versatile, high-functioning environment that supports both casual gaming and intense international competitions."
With esports tournaments becoming increasingly sophisticated, venues must adhere to rigorous standards—ranging from lighting quality and electrical capacity to seating layouts, camera sightlines, and acoustic engineering. Yuliya began the Eclipse project with thorough research, which included site visits to other arenas, user interviews, and operational analysis of floor plans.
The completed arena features:
Over 100 advanced gaming setups
Multiple VIP lounges and exclusive gaming suites
Dedicated PlayStation and console zones
Modular spaces adaptable for major tournaments
A streamers’ studio
Because much of the budget was allocated to top-tier equipment, the interior design needed to be both impactful and efficient. Yuliya’s solution combined sleek, dark finishes that enhance focus with signature LED lighting that sweeps across walls and ceilings, mimicking the flow of electronic circuits. This lighting not only sets the mood but also guides movement and gives the venue its futuristic identity.
The walls of Eclipse were transformed into immersive storytelling canvases. Yuliya collaborated with urban artists to create bold, thematic murals—not as mere decoration, but as integral elements of the venue’s narrative. Each area has its own distinct personality, supporting everything from relaxed gaming to high-stakes tournaments. Through her curated use of light and art, every guest feels connected to the unfolding action, whether they’re competing or spectating.
Despite the arena’s scale, Yuliya managed the project almost entirely remotely. Leveraging strategically placed cameras and seamless digital communication with the local team, she directed the process with minimal on-site presence. This project stands as a testament to how digital project management is revolutionizing commercial interior design.
“You don’t need to be on-site daily if your workflow is organized and communication is clear,” she explains. “This approach allowed me to focus on detail and keep the project moving efficiently.”
Eclipse’s rapid success led to the opening of a second location, developed with the same design philosophy. Both venues now anchor a burgeoning esports venue franchise. Yuliya ensured visual consistency and logical spatial flow in the second arena, maintaining brand identity while adapting to a new setting.
With the UK’s growing interest in esports infrastructure, Yuliya sees a pivotal moment for design-led innovation:
“The UK’s creative and tech industries are converging, and esports venues are at the heart of this evolution. These spaces deserve thoughtful design that enhances the player journey and amplifies gaming’s cultural significance.”
As esports cements its place in the UK mainstream, the need for flexible, high-performance venues will only intensify. Yuliya Forrest remains at the forefront, offering a rare blend of creative vision, technical mastery, and cultural insight. Whether designing private gaming lounges, public venues, or expansive arenas, her approach weaves together storytelling, strategic planning, and bold visual impact.
