Lan Party

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<div class="IPBDescription">What are they worth to you?</div> In my area there really isnt anywere to organize a lanparty....we have no cyber cafe's and private lan parties aren't easy to come across. My idea is this: To set up a storefront designed for lanparties, set up with something like 12-20 computers, Snacks, beverages(caffeine of course) etc. My question is how much would you pay for something like this, a place to go and game with local friends? What would you like to see in a place like this? There is a simmilar place near here that only does console systems: they carge like $7 an hour per person, and you get to play console of your choice on a bigscreen tv(HD where useable).
My idea is to have a set number of computers to use here, but also a number of slots for people who wish to bring their own setup.

Questions, Thoughts, Reactions welcome!!

BOZO

I would say $20 for the whole day, that includes computer, games, snaks, drinks, and prizes. $10 for people who bring their own computer and games.

SkulkBait

Here in wisconsin we have a place called "Ping Time" (im pretty sure they have locations in other states as well). They have systems set up already and like a t3 at least. No snacks, and its like $10hr except on saturdays (or something) where its like $25 for the whole day. Frankly I don't ever plan on going back because $10hr seemed aufly outrageous to me. But if you don't plan to have the internet access you could save a ton and transfer the savings to the cusotomers (or pocket the extra, up to you).

Sycophant

If you're looking to set this up as a business, I'd suggest talking with the owner of the "console-only" place nearby. Since he has already done the start-up routine, he would know the speedbumps that'll hit you soon after starting. Just be sure to let him know that he'd only on as a consultant. <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/wink.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink.gif'><!--endemo-->

If the population in your area is sufficient enough to support a business like that, then go for it. There's a lot of ways to determine if you'll get enough customers, so <b>make sure of it</b> before starting. Getting a loan and then having the business collapse soon after starting is rough. I was basically in the mid-business plan stage for a similar idea, but scrapped it once I realized the customer-base was insufficient in this area.



If all you want is the occasional LAN party, try dishing out a few bucks for a newspaper ad, or even flyers to leave at local video game rental places. Say you're organizing a once-a-month LAN party, for example. Get interested people to email you, and then rent an appropriate-sized room.

An Internet connection might be tricky depending on where you go, but a LAN party is mostly about gaming!! Inform in advance that there might not be an Internet connection, so tell everyone to have their drivers up-to-date, their games patched to the latest version, and to bring their Windows CD with them (if applicable).

FlatlineUTD

There's a place about 5 minutes from my apartment that does this: <a href='http://lan-shark.com/' target='_blank'>http://lan-shark.com/</a> It's usually got a good bit of players. A lot of the TAU guys go there because they're mostly based in North Texas.

Keep in mind that their prices seem a bit high because the Plano area is *exceedingly* wealthy.