GEMU Clawcade and Playground, an exciting new entertainment destination founded by the mother-daughter duo, Grace and Wen Chen, will open its doors to the public in Oakland Mall today. Combining arcade thrills with an interactive playground experience, GEMU brings a unique concept to metro Detroit, offering an engaging space for children and families to have fun, play, and explore together.
GEMU’s 8,000-square-foot facility features an innovative interactive playground, designed to spark joy for children of all ages. The space is a unique hybrid of arcade claw games where you can win cute rewards as well as interactive playsets. The playset includes exciting 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 for everyone.
“We are very excited to welcome GEMU as we transition into the future of family and fun here at Oakland Mall,” said Mario Kiezi, Owner, 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, the founder and business partner, conceptualized the idea for GEMU 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 refined the concept with her and collaborated closely with her roommate, Key Allard, a graduate in Animation from the same college. 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 the company’s commitment to bringing high-quality entertainment to the visitors of Oakland Mall. The brand features two lovable characters designed by Wen and Key: GEMURU, a game controller-themed monkey, and Byte, a computer bug-themed character. These 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,” said Wen Chen, co-founder of GEMU. “We’ve worked hard to create a space where families can come together, play, and make lasting memories and we hope to become a beloved destination within Oakland Mall for families across Michigan and beyond.”
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. GEMU also offers party room bookings for private celebrations. GEMU’s playful, clean, and inviting environment is just the beginning of what they hope will become a beloved destination for families in Michigan and beyond. 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.
For more information, please visit Gemuarcade.com and on social media.
About GEMU:
GEMU is a family-oriented entertainment business founded by mother and daughter team Grace and Wen Cheng. Their mission is to bring fun, interactive experiences to families through a unique blend of arcade games and playsets. Inspired by the “clawcades” abroad, GEMU offers a playful, clean, and safe environment where families can come together and create lasting memories. Find them online at GemuArcade.com.
About Oakland Mall:
Located in the heart of Troy, Michigan, Oakland Mall is a shopping and entertainment destination offering a wide range of retail stores, dining options, and family-friendly experiences. A family-friendly atmosphere that uplifts small business, it is conveniently located at I-75 and 14 Mile Road, 412 W 14 Mile Rd., Learn more at OaklandMall.com.
