(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); I was wondering if you guys would be able to help out with an idea I have had for sometime. What, I would like to do is open a gaming cafe. (Similar to a PC gaming cafe but with game consoles) There seems to be some issues with copyright laws and if I invested money to open a business I want to make sure I am doing it right. I have some questions and if you are willing to take the time to answer them all or just a few it would greatly appreciated.

Imagine a place where you could get some of your friends together in the same place and play games against each other or other teams. A place where you can get away from the stresses of home and get away for a while. A place where you may spend $20.00 for a night of entertainment and feels like a home away from home.

I would like to offer food and beverages, what foods do you think would be easy to offer or what "snacks" would you like to have?

I am going to use Call of Duty as an example:

I would like to charge an hourly rate for people to come in and use the consoles. I would like have tournaments and give out prizes. It is even legal for me to do this or do I need permission from Activision? If I need permission how do I get it? I have sent several emails to Activision and have not heard any responses.

Does anyone know the proper steps to contact them? Or any other game publishers?

Do you guys think it would be easier to set up PS3's or XBOX 360's? Which do you think would bring in more customers?

Is there a way for someone to come in and use their account on my consoles? That way if someone was 10th prestige they could use their classes.

I would like to have theme nights such as ladies night where ladies would play free. What other themes do you think would be good?

I would also like to buy and sell used games similar to “GameStop” but with a more reasonable value for games traded in.

I know I have asked a lot of questions and if you can answer any of them or give your opinions if a place like this would even do well, I would much appreciate it.

I have been a so called “bottom dweller” on this site and have always appreciated reading other peoples posts and find most the answers useful or at least amusing.

Of course if I was ever to open such a place, I would offer discounts to members of NEXTGENUPDATE. I would like to take care of those who took the time to answer my questions. The "cafe" would be in the Orlando, Fl area.

P.S. If I posted this is the wrong area or violated any terms of posting. I apologize in advance..

It has and thanks!!!! Now you got me thinking even more about different themes. Thanks, I appreciate it!

Maybe I can shed a little light on this for you. I run a restauarant for a decent sized chain. We wanted to do Guitar Hero tournaments four our guests in a private room. What was a good idea turned out to be alot of red tape! First thing is you have to buy the gaming systems which means you must pay BMI and ASCAP fees for copyrighted materials. Its just like any place that plays music for the general public. We pay these fees every month so that we can have music in the restaurant. If you want to have games then you pay amusement tax which is based on occupancy and sales, just like any place that has pool tables or megatouch machines. When we researched doing the Guitar Hero thing we found out that we also had to pay a fee to Red Octane which I believe is the maker or distributor of the game. If your "guests" bring their own games then you do not have to pay them. And don't forgt such things as your electricty bill for the constantly running consoles and the A/C you will use to keep the room cool! Ther are many other items but those are the big ones. I hope this helped.

i was thinking of starting something like this in my area as well. if anybody finds anything about the legal issues of this post it, i would like to know...also i like the monthly charges idea...itd be a good way to keep ppl coming back

I looked up these fees and I understand how they pertain to music. I wonder what fees apply to the games on the consoles?

The same fees apply from what I have seen. They cover Sony from what I have been told.

Well, I have attempted to contact "Microsoft" to find about licensing fees for the 360. I was transferred to 4 different departments before I got someone that understood what I was asking about. By the time I called them the office was closed. I will call them Monday and let you guys know what I found out.

Didn't know I could quote myself, but I called the licensing department and they told be they don't handle the 360. I got transferred back to XBOX 360 support who could not tell me who I would contact. So, they took my number and told me they would me back sometime in the next 4 hours. It has already been 2 hours and no response. WTF??? am I the only person in the US who has ever called to ask them about this???:confused:

lmao good luck with sony half the people there barely speak english i called like ten times about my ps3 and evry time i got a guy who barely knew english

Finally, someone called me back and gave me an email address to XBOX to ask about licensing and fees. WTF? I can't believe the hoops I have to jump through just to try to do this legally.