A new downtown business is aiming to bring like-minded video game enthusiasts out of their living rooms or bedrooms. Internet café Gig City Games opened one month ago at 328 E. Martin Luther King Blvd., where customers can use one of 25 computers to play most any competitive video game out there.

Owner Joe Card—who built all the computers used in the self-funded business—has preloaded games but users can also download others. Users pay $5 an hour to use the computers and the business also hosts tournaments. There’s one starting Oct. 1 and continuing throughout the month that comes with a $500 cash prize.

The location, near UTC, a couple breweries and bars, and video arcade Coin Op is ideal, Card said. He’s had a few customers who come play for a couple hours and then get a beer at OddStory Brewing Co., and he’s hoping to partner with Coin Op owner Brian Hennen for events or other value-adds for customers.

In addition to his long-time love of video games, Card has a more personal reason for opening his business.

“I’ve dealt with a lot of mental health issues and problems with myself for a long time,” he said. “I used video games as an escape to make myself feel better. I feel like I can create a space where people can be comfortable with themselves, come out and socialize and increase their happiness.”

Check it out:

🕒Open every day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

📍328 E. MLK Blvd

🥤There are also snacks, such as energy drinks and candy bars, to keep users pumped up.

📲Check the business out on Facebook.