March 27, 2017

Meet Zimar Manigault of The Ultimate Video Game Bus in Studio City

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zimar Manigault.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The story really started with my passion for computers and providing a multipurpose event vehicle. I own a nonprofit (ComputerWorks Global). I took an old Thomas Built school bus and converted it. The bus was built as a mobile computer lab to introduce computer science to the underserved. Nonprofit organizations take time to grow and land grants and sponsors to run their programs. As time came about finishing the conversion, and finishing my bank account, I thought I need to recoup my investment as I’m waiting for the nonprofit to kick in, so I put the last bit of funds into making this a vehicle that can be used for multiple purposes. The Video Game Bus was one of the easiest to launch given my past experience.

I’ve worked in the Game Truck industry for 3 years before I started my own company. A game truck is actually a trailer (20 to 30ft) pulled by a pickup truck. There are usually 4 to 5 screens inside and maybe 1 to 2 screens on the outside of the trailer.

I wanted to do something totally unique that would actually be an improvement from the game trailer experience, so I converted an old school bus and put as many screens (13 to be exact) in it as possible. I know that with all the fancy couches, and lights the main reason the kids love the game trucks is to play video games, so I gave them the ability to play 13 different games at a time while accommodating up to 28 gamers at a time. Of course I have the laser lights and indirect lighting as well to create the perfect mood for gaming. No one in California has done this as far as I can tell with a bus of this configuration.

The bus is loaded with 12 two player screens and one 70-inch screen in the back for 4 player games and the game “Just Dance” (very popular with the girl gamers). It’s been just over a year now (started October 2015) in business and my calendar is pretty full on the weekends. I will have to admit I’m a gamer. While having over 50 of the latest game releases, I don’t have time to play most of them for any length of time. It’s challenging wearing so many hats and running multiple business, even if they are small and have time for video gaming. I have now become the late night gamer (12 to 3 am gaming).

The Ultimate Video Game Bus falls under the umbrella of the parent company “The Tech Mobile”. The Tech Mobile (www.The-TechMobile.com) is a multipurpose Event Vehicle for rent in-which the game bus spawned. The Tech Mobile is a Mobile Computer Lab, Video Game Bus, Mobile office/ media room and Mobile product display.

I created this company so as to tap into everything that I loved (Computers, Video Games, Mobile Office space and providing the space to introduce computers and computer science to neighborhoods, students, and seniors. I created 3 companies in-which to make all of the possible 1. ComputerWorks Global (501 C 3 nonprofit www.ComputerWorkskGlobal.org) 2. The Tech Mobile (s Corp www.The-TechMobile.com) and 3. The Ultimate Video Game Bus (www.TheUltimateVideoGameBus.com)

I really enjoy what I do and have now just recently partnered up with a computer science education organization (innovative globally) to further utilize the computer lab for stem programming courses. I’m enjoying life now as my hard work and commitment to my goals are finally starting to pay off. I’m working on a second bus this year, hope to have a full fleet in two to three years from now.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road was never smooth. I started out with creating a mobile computer lab to work with the LAUSD’s afterschool programs, until I met the read tape associated the school system so I changed course and business models. The main challenge was coming up with a business that would keep the bus busy while developing its intended use. Of course funding was (as is with most) was the one major obstacle.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Ultimate Video Game Bus – what should we know?
The Ultimate Video Game Bus is unique as it is the only mobile video game theater with 13 video Screens. This is all in one 40 food bus. That means 13 different games can be played at one time. One of the 13 screens is a 70-inch screen in the back used for 4 player games and the dancing games (“Just Dance”). We are self-powered, and climate controlled and can handle 28 gamers playing at time. We also have optional upgrades such as the new Playstation VR experience ( includes headset motion controllers and a library virtual reality games). The other upgrade is a snow cone feature ( 12 flavors ice, cups, straws, spoons and we serve). No other game truck or game bus company in California has this option or configuration.

We now offer a hybrid gaming package. That is laptops (gaming on websites like Roblox) and consoles.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The most important quality for any business success is your service and knowledge of your market and products. You have to love and know about what it is that you do. You have to be able to explain it and show how it works. You have to show experience in your field. You have to also know when to evolve and grow your business.

Pricing:
• $350 for a 2 hr min (Friday through Sunday) $99 per additional hour
• $300 for a 2 hr min (Monday through Thursday) $75 per additional hour

Contact Info: