A LAN arcade store...

[idNut]

This is an idea I've had for quite some time now and I'll just cut and paste what I've wrote on my pad. I'm positive there are reasons this hasn't been done but I want to see what you guys think about it.

-Memberships
-Up to 50 computers at each site
-Reservations only
-Franchises possible
-Have "Deluxe" locations with 100 computers
for bigger and more popular sites for gamers
-Deal with AMD/Intel and nVidia
for new hardware every 2 years or
when needed for a new game
-Trade old computers in
-Professional tech guys to help with errors
and make sure all games run beautifully
and are compatible with computers (Called 'LAN MAN')
-Special events every Friday
-Pay extra money for computers with
surround sound & big ass monitor in a special room
(10 only at each site)
(30 at deluxe)
-Professionally wired by Linksys
-Bring your own games (Tentative)
-Lock HD's and if possible, install
all games through one computer, main
server
-Posters of games on all the walls
-A party room with a movie screen
and conference table
-Have specifications on side of computers
-Ladders for clans against other LAN stores
(I.E. Butler, PA's store vs. Allegheny, PA's store)
-All lag would be minimum due to Linksys
-Bring your own mice, keyboards or joysticks
-Nationwide
-Would have to get around games for everyone (I.E.
id would not be happy if I loaded all computers with
one version of Quake III and was letting everyone pay
me to play it. Would have to arrange a deal with all
game publishers and developers.)
-Could pick from a wall to buy games for the computers
like ($10 for Quake III on one computer but it goes
on your membership and will always be loaded on)
-At main and big locations, see if certain game
developers like John Carmack or so could make an appearance
and talk to gamers on big clan matches or deluxe locations
-Could be like a Software Etc. where you could buy games
but strictly computer games.
-Could sponser car cruises in it's parking lot.
-Possibly the beginning of the professional gaming league

Name ideas:
-Time 2 LAN
-Time 4 a LAN
-LAN Party!
-Can you say LAN?
-LAN Inc.
-Gamers Paradise
-Let's Game
-LANNERS
-LAN Geeks
-WAN LAN
-The LAN Zone
-User Friendly

 

[aircooled]

In California there are Internet Cafe's that host Lan party's and are having trouble with asian gang activity. The gangs compete with the computer games, but also take it very personally and have violent crime activity at or near the locations. This is from reports I've heard on CNET radio many times (on my XM Radio as I dont live in CA).

Unfortunatley, this has probably hindered the average business person who has researhed a computer gaming/lan/internet cafe.

 

[RudeBoie]

Yeah, there are bunches or Internet/Game places popping up. There's one about 5 min walk away from me right now. At home (from college) there are about 5 in a 10 mile radius.

Gamers Paradise sounds good, but it also sounds popular enough to be taken.

IMO, anything with LAN isn't a good name, because it's not excatly a well-known term. Well, on AT it is, but no one off the street will hear LAN, and think "wow, computer game center. I think I'll check it out"

 

[idNut]

How similar are your stores compared to the one I have in mind? I mean there are none in PA. Not even an internet cafe. Also, do you think that this could actually happen? I'm a skeptical person and don't believe in things but I think something like this could pull through. I have a crap computer and I'm sure there are computer illiterate gamers out there that want to get into PC games but just don't have the money or knowledge. I know a few. I've been looking for a job in the gaming industry that isn't making them because I found out that it's damn near impossible for me so I'd like to rate them or do something like this where I can meet fans of games and talk about what's new in the gaming world. Always nice to dream.

 

[Smokey0066]

PC Palace is on our U campus.. its alright..

not quite as large a complex as you've described but its fun. i know a couple people working there.

so they have it setup somewhat like the net used to be; you can pay a monthly fee and recieve so many hrs of play or you can just pay as you play...

its a cool idea if you've got a good location for it.

 

[kt]

The type of store you just described pops up every other month here in California. And I am not exaggerating either. But like someone already mentioned, it attracts gang activities as well. So far, I've heard of a couple of stabbing incidents and a shooting incident. All in different locations. I guess all the gang members have moved from the pool hall to the LAN shops nowadays.

 

[Geotpf]

I think the reports of gang activity are exagerated. Now, Internet cafes are REALLY popular overseas, particularily Asia (China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore). I mean insanely popular. And, from what I understand, 90% the people in these cafes are playing Counterstrike...which is also true in the lone one in my town.

 

[RudeBoie]

It's definitely feasible but only in city or tech heavy areas. For now anyway. In 10 years, everywhere will be tech heavy.

 

[Daxxax]

I have had this same Idea for quite awhile now too, I live In Rochester, MN gangs are pretty much non existant. I think if you make it a Family oriented place the "bad" people will stay away. I was thinking alot smaller then you only about 12 computers a server and that's about it. CHeck out this site "Netheads I checked it out after someone on these forums recommended it, they seem to do pretty well and are very professional.

 

[TNTrulez]

There's one here at CA called Rivalution. They have 2 places now in San Jose. They use a neat log in system that manages the time and stuff. I think it's proprietary but not sure. Anyways, they have around 20 computers in the place, each with a leather chair. Mouse/keybaords and such are included ofcourse. No cafe served. It's pay by the hour, but if you have membership it gets cheaper. Really good place to have a LAN party if your friends are willing to pay ofcourse. Also good for coporate hostings where people wants to play games. . . probably from a .com company with computers that doesn't have good graphic cards.