A new gaming center called KeepUgame has opened at 9 Chemin de Sainte-Catherine in Le Puy-en-Velay. Aurélien Marchive, originally from Orléans but now living in the Haute-Loire region, decided to open this gaming center last August. It features several areas and is equipped with high-end equipment. One of these areas is also dedicated to console and smartphone repairs.
What made you want to open this venue?
Aurélien Marchive: Because I'd been self-employed for a while, repairing consoles and smartphones in my home workshop. And then, just before Covid, I had plans to open a game room in Orléans. My partner and I decided to make a change and move here to Le Puy-en-Velay to live and work.
Does it have multiple spaces?
Aurélien Marchive: Yes. There's a PC gaming area for gamers who enjoy playing on a monitor with high-end equipment. There's also a console area equipped with Switch 2 and PS5 consoles, featuring giant screens that allow for multiplayer gaming and testing the latest releases. This fosters teamwork and cohesion. And then there's a racing simulator that offers a great experience with a steering wheel that provides excellent force feedback for both the car and the track. It boasts a beautiful screen and a wide range of accessories.
Also a repair area?
Aurélien Marchive: Yes. It allows me to offer console and smartphone repairs. People can come to me to have a screen or phone battery replaced, or to get their game console repaired. I have a small display case where I sell refurbished consoles. And customers looking for pre-ordered collector figurines can also contact me.
And then, a relaxation area?
Aurélien Marchive: This allows customers to enjoy various sodas featuring manga characters and energy drinks. These are served by the glass, but can also be consumed in cans in the play areas.
What is the profile of your clientele?
Aurélien Marchive: It's very diverse. There are young people and older people. There are grandparents who come with their grandchildren, parents who come with their children. There are even people in their fifties who came to try out the simulator.
Any new developments since the venue opened?
Aurélien Marchive: Yes! I offer themed tournaments on Friday evenings from 19:30 PM to 23:30 PM, featuring a selection of games. And I'd also like to offer a second racing simulator so players can compete against each other.
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