GEMU Clawcade and Playground, a new entertainment destination founded by the mother-daughter duo, Grace and Wen Chen, has opened at Oakland Mall in Troy.
The destination spans 8,000 square feet of space, and features an innovative interactive playground that is a hybrid of arcade claw games where participants can win rewards. There’s also several interactive playsets.
The playset includes features such as air cannons, a large twirly slide, a mini basketball court, a giant ball pit, and a playscape structure designed for children and adults to comfortably explore.
The entire space has been designed with safety and cleanliness in mind, with a comprehensive cleaning schedule and maintenance plan to ensure a safe environment, according to GEMU.
“We are very excited to welcome GEMU as we transition into the future of family and fun here at Oakland Mall,” says Mario Kiezi, owner of Oakland Mall. “It is important for me to deliver a fun experience for families and this one will be great for the little ones. GEMU did an exceptional job with the space, and kids will have a lot of fun.”
Grace Chen, founder and business partner of GEMU, conceptualized the idea based on her experience with similar venues abroad. The concept took shape during Wen Chen’s college spring break while studying product design at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit.
Inspired by her mother’s vision, Wen Chen refined the concept and collaborated closely with her roommate, Key Allard, a graduate in animation at CCS. During that time, the vision for GEMU came to life through working on the branding, character design, and visual identity, ultimately creating a unique hybrid of arcade games and interactive playsets.
The name GEMU, inspired by the Japanese word for “game,” embodies two characters designed by Wen and Key: GEMURU, a game controller-themed monkey, and Byte, a computer bug-themed character.
The characters reflect GEMU’s tech-driven, playful brand identity and are available as plushies in the store. They also sell plushies of all kinds and offer private party rooms for larger events.
“Opening GEMU is a dream come true for my mother and me,” says Wen, co-founder of GEMU. “We’ve worked hard to create a space where families can come together, play, and make lasting memories.”
The facility includes a range of arcade machines that operate using tap-to-pay cards, offering a mix of traditional and modern gaming experiences. The playset area is priced at $21.99 for an all-day pass, with free entry for two parents accompanying each child.
The entertainment destination is located at the east end of Oakland Mall’s main thoroughfare.
With nearby Anime-themed Oakland Mall stores like Bandai/Gashapon and Miniso, GEMU is another first for Oakland Mall as it continues to work to attract a diverse retailer store mix and offer a family-friendly destination for residents, Kiezi says.
For more information, visit GemuArcade.com.
