By Sizakele Nduli
Sfiso Mnisi from Mpumalanga saw first-hand that while many people love gaming, the high cost of games and consoles means that many cannot get to have fun. Mnisi established the Nkophe Game Lounge, a space where both young and old avid gamers and casual players can gather to enjoy a premium gaming experience.
Mnisi shared that while his business officially launched in August and was still in its early stages, he first thought about it in 2016. “This year was the year I felt like I could do something about it,” he said. After the division of a company he worked for was shut down and he was offered half of his previous salary, he decided to finally put his long-standing plan into action. “When I was offered half of what I earn, I thought it was time to put my time to myself. I felt with the commitment I have given to work that if I give that to my own projects, I will succeed,” Mnisi told Vutivi News.
Without external funding, he invested all his savings into starting the business. “It’s quite an expensive business to start. For example, a G29 car race simulation is R30,000, just the components before you get a TV screen. So financially, it’s a bit steep business, but I was committed to the idea & I put every cent I had in it,” he added. The lounge has PS5, Xbox Series X, and G29 car race simulation.
They also offer chess board games and Snake & Ladders, provided free of charge for younger children. “We have over 400 games available online; we have capacity to download and play,” he said. Located at Flora Centre in Johannesburg, the lounge is designed to be family friendly. “We have made the place comfortable enough to accommodate kids and parents,” he said, noting that there was also a free reading area for mothers who were not into gaming.
Mnisi has taken extra measures to enhance security at the venue, including cameras and two assistants who manage who enters and exits, ensuring everyone is accounted for. “There are about eight schools (near the shopping centre). I knew with proper marketing we would generate our own traffic. “We had to go to schools and the community to distribute pamphlets to get the store out there,” he told Vutivi News.
While weekends are busy, there is a constant flow of customers during the week as well. The 39-year-old father and sports fanatic noted that gaming was not about age or gender. “I have seen female gamers & males alike. The concept caters to everyone. I have experienced adult gamers, but teenagers are big into it. “Table soccer is one of the favourites. Also, really boys love challenging their dads,” he said.
