Gaming gets serious

6:14pm Wednesday 12th December 2007

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Sacrificing a law degree for a lifetime of computer games sounds like what hundreds of students do every year.

Nicola McKenzie, 19, has put her dreams of becoming a lawyer on hold after just three months at Kingston University to set up a business with her partner Gavin.

Their Console Lounge business, located just off Surrey Street, Croydon, is a haven for fans of computer games.

Nicola said: "I have always really enjoyed playing computer games but Gavin is really into them and we realised that there is no permanant base for people to play them around here, or anywhere else in the country."

The couple have invested in nine XBox 360s, five Playstation 3s and one Nintendo Wii, which set them back more than £4,000.

But they are hoping they will reap the rewards with their new concept and have put plans in place to make the business a real success.

Nicola said: "We have also bought 15 32-inch high definition televisions which all the consoles are connected to.

"It makes gaming so much more real. It has cost a fortune but we're confident we'll make it back."

The couple are planning to hold cash prize competitions every Sunday.

They aim for them to be attended by some of the best gamers from all over the country. They will also be hosting birthday parties and similar events at the shop to boost trade.

Nicola added: "This is so much different to what I was doing a couple of months ago but it is really good fun.

"And I haven't abandoned my university plans. I am seeing this as a gap year and I guess just seeing how it all works out."

To contact Nicola or Gavin for more information or to book a party, call 07967 359946 or visit the shop at Overton's Yard.