Mobiles, no threat to gaming zones

Mobiles, no threat to gaming zones

PUNE: Owing to the rise in mobile technology and cheap high data speeds, is the business and popularity of gaming zones affected by the advent of mobile games? It seems the gaming zones are still thriving. 

According to Abhishek Gupta of Circle Gaming Cafe on JM Road, the business has been virtually unaffected by the increasing number of mobile games and instead has actually augmented in the last two years. He further said, “The two platforms are extremely different from each other. The experience from a personal computer (PC) game is much more than a mobile game.” 

Similarly, Prashant Thakkar, owner of Intencity, Camp, said, “We began in 2010 and our business has been increasing steadily, especially because of the new games in the market. In a day, around 100 gamers visit the centre.”

For Abhishek Salunkhe of Vortex Gaming Lounge, Aundh, the improved graphics have attributed to the success of the business. “The graphics are more in detail and there are more features in a PC game than a mobile one which is why gamers prefer coming here,” he said.

“There’s also the thrill of playing with multiple players in the zone which is definitely more appealing than a mobile game,” added Salunkhe.

Abhimanyu Watway, manager of Gamers Inc Aundh, attributes the popularity to the reasonable rate charge of gaming zones. “We charge around Rs 45 per hour. Those who are unable to buy a PC can afford to pay at gaming zones and thus prefer going there.” 

Thakkar too, added that while the charge varies as per the game, the average minimum cost is Rs 30 and thus, players continue to visit the zones.

Watway also remarked that the arrival of popular new games like Fortnite, PUBG, DATO 2 etc have increased the number of PCs in the zones. Gupta further stated, “We have right now 19 PCs but are adding three more so that more people can enjoy playing here.” 

This was echoed by Salunkhe, who said, “Some customers even call and book slots ahead of time so they get a chance to sit and play for extended hours.” Sameer Bhide, owner of Head 2 Head Gaming in Deccan said this extension of PCs could mean the beginning of even more chains around Pune. He began in 2006 and later started Gamers Inc in Aundh with Watway. 

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