IKEA launched the BRÄNNBOLL collection, inspired by the evolving and diverse needs of gamers and those who live with them. The collection brings 20 versatile items that help gamers create a comfortable and engaging setup when the game is on – and blend nicely into the home when the game is off.
With the fast-growing global gaming community now numbering 3.3 billion, gaming is the world’s largest hobby and an important part of many people’s everyday lives. Today’s gaming is a dynamic activity across different devices and spaces within the home, that involves people of all ages and skill levels. Building on the first-ever IKEA gaming series with Republic of Gamers in 2021, BRÄNNBOLL explores smart solutions for casual gamers who value style and functionality, who want to play together and move fluidly between different platforms and postures.
The collection offers a versatile range of furniture, storage solutions and accessories, designed to not only improve the gaming experience but also support everyday scenarios beyond gameplay. Many pieces carry multiple functions and are designed to be moved around and adapted to different spaces – enabling gamers to swiftly set up an immersive gaming environment and then transition back to their everyday living space without effort.
“With BRÄNNBOLL, we are embracing the idea that gaming is for everyone and belongs everywhere in the home. It’s about making it simple for people to create spaces that adapt to gaming, living, and everything in between,” says Philip Dilé, Product Design Developer at IKEA of Sweden, and continues: “We hope this collection will encourage friends and families to engage together, bringing joy and connection through shared gaming experiences.”
Seating is the focal point of the collection, with a variety of ergonomic chairs designed to support different gaming postures and scenarios, including an inflatable chair that builds on previous infamous attempts at introducing inflatable furniture. Additionally, the collection features a gaming station, equipped with a foldable tabletop, integrated PC tower storage, and cable management, that transforms effortlessly from a playground to a discreet storage unit. Adding to the collection are several storage solutions, such as a wall-mounted cabinet, castors on wheels, side tables, and a multifunctional basket that doubles as a movable self-standing table. Complementing these are accessories and decorative elements, such as a mouse pad, a rug and a throw, designed to add a personal touch to the gaming space.
BRÄNNBOLL challenges traditional gaming design, moving away from the typical thematic and darker-toned aesthetics. Instead, the collection introduces vibrant colours and elements inspired by street sports and athleisure. This creates a unique, playful look that combines the energy and dynamism of athletics with the comfort and performance essential for gaming. The BRÄNNBOLL easy chair explores how furniture can become a dynamic component of the virtual gaming experience. It engages the gamer physically, swinging from side to side in harmony with their movement.
“Drawing inspiration from how people move when they play video games, I wanted to create a chair that activates the player, to enhance this interaction. This connection between the player and the game can hopefully lead to a more engaging and immersive experience”,
says David Wahl, Designer at IKEA of Sweden.
The BRÄNNBOLL collection will launch across all IKEA markets in September 2024.