(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..

Well, after hours of searching the internet. I found a website that assists game centers and "LAN" centers with getting licenses to games. I won't mention the name of the website because I don't want to advertise for them for free, lol.

I found some of the publishers for the games refuse to give licenses for console games, such as "Activision". Some, such as Bungie, EA and Microsoft are willing to let you do it for a fee, which once you join the website is not as expensive as I thought it would be.

The website has many console centers from around the country. They all seem to think since there is no actual lawsuits against any of the console centers the licenses are not necessary.

So, I was wondering how many people have been to a console gaming center who offer any of the "COD" games? If so they don't have the licenses to use the games.

I guess there is a lawsuit against "RedBox" who rents DVD's from kiosk. The lawsuit is due to "RedBox" renting DVD's they bought retail and don't have licenses to do so. The console gaming community is hoping "RedBox" wins the lawsuit or comes out on top.

I guess they feel this gives them a "leg to stand on" if they can get away with it.

there are plenty of internet cafes i know of and i dont think you need ANY LICENSING for it,and redistributing it is legal otherwise it wouldnt be worth it,and what is treyarch going to do? come to your buisness and shut it down?

I think thats pretty much what the "gaming center" community is thinking. Are they gonna actually waste their time to come and do something if you are using their games. There is a thing called an "End User License Agreement" attached to games you buy. I guess you agree to it by buying the game and the agreement says the game is not to be used a setting where it is a pay to play setting.

Thanks, for the answer!!!

Maybe to bypass all of this charge an admission fee (like to get in the door) so tech.. your not paying to play the games your paying to gain acces to the store/cafe or what ever its going to be. If i were you i would look into this becuae it would save alot of hassel on you end.