By James Johnson

Last updated at 10:17, Saturday, 07 July 2012

A video game venue will open today and the owner says he hopes it will provide a place for children to get their gaming fix.

Graham Lowes

Game Chamber in Shaddongate has a number of booths with large-screen television so customers can play XBox and Nintendo Wii games on their own or with friends.

Gamers of all ages are welcome, but owner Graham Lowes says the business was inspired by a special person.

He explained: “I’ve tried to do as much as I can for youngsters since my daughter died in 2003.

“There’s a lot of kids that don’t have XBoxes and this is meant for the underprivileged youngsters. There’s nothing else like this in Carlisle but there’s been quite a bit of thought put into it.”

The room is divided into two sides so that younger gamers can play on the Nintendo Wiis while teenagers or adults use the XBoxes.

There is a jukebox for those who want music to accompany their play while headphones will soon be introduced for those that don’t.

Entrepreneur Mr Lowes said: “I’m scared more than excited – there’s no blueprint for this!

“We’re going to have to make it up as we go along. It’ll either turn into chaos or it’ll be brilliant.”

As well as modern games there are also arcade machines for those that fancy a more retro experience, and non-alcoholic refreshments are on sale.

Game sessions cost £5 an hour and will be remotely operated so the television turns off when the time runs out.

Although the business currently operates out of one room, there scope for an expansion.

Mr Lowes said: “We’re aiming to have another room open by Christmas and there’s space upstairs as well.

“If people support us we will put the money back in.”

First published at 08:56, Saturday, 07 July 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk