Do I need to install anything?

No. GameClub runs in the browser — open the site and start working. Operators can use the PWA (add to home screen like an app). No server installations, no manual updates.

How are you different from SmartShell, SENET, Smartlaunch?

Those products are PC-cafe-first: diskless Windows boot, remote game launch, station protection, license management. They handle consoles too — but as an add-on to their PC stack. GameClub is the opposite: console lounge is the primary scenario. Booth sessions, controller rentals, VIP-zone bookings, bar orders attached to sessions, owner reports — all first-class UX. If you run 50+ PCs with diskless, pick a specialized PC-cafe SaaS — we're built for a different shape. If you run 3–12 PS5/Xbox booths or a mixed venue with a console focus, GameClub sets up and pays back faster.

What if the internet goes down?

The system continues in offline mode. All actions (launching sessions, bar orders, completing sessions) are saved locally and automatically synced when the connection is restored. You won't lose a single record.

Which consoles are supported?

Any: PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC, VR headsets, retro consoles. GameClub is not tied to specific hardware — you create booths and assign any type.

Can I connect multiple clubs?

Yes, multi-club support is built in. Switch between clubs in one click, assign different operators, and get analytics for each club separately or combined.

How does the owner get the daily summary?

The summary lands in whichever channel suits you — messenger, email, or browser push. Includes shift revenue, open/closed sessions, bar, new bookings. You can switch channels in settings in a couple of clicks: if one becomes unavailable, you keep going on another without losing data.

Is there booking for customers?

Yes! GameClub has a separate PWA app for your guests. Customers can book booths online, see available time slots, leave reviews, and get push notifications about booking status.

How does billing work?

Hourly billing (with rounding and grace period) and fixed packages are supported. If the package time runs out, the system automatically switches to hourly mode. Set different tariffs for VIP and standard booths.

All data is transmitted over a secure HTTPS connection. Passwords are hashed with bcrypt, tokens are rotated. Every action is logged and tied to an employee. We do not share your data with third parties.

2026-05-29

How to start a gaming lounge: a step-by-step guide

A gaming lounge is a clear business with transparent economics: you sell time on consoles or PCs and upsell the bar. Here is a step-by-step plan to open one without burning out at the start.

Step 1. Concept and format

Decide the format: a console lounge (PlayStation, Xbox), a PC gaming club, a VR arcade, or a mix. The console format is cheaper to launch and easier to maintain; a PC club costs more in hardware but attracts the esports crowd.

Estimate the local audience: near schools and residential areas, consoles and affordable pricing work best; in the city center, premium zones and VR perform well.

Step 2. Location

For a start, 40–80 m² is enough: a zone with booths, a small bar and a waiting area. Ventilation, stable power and fast internet matter.

Plan 4–6 m² per booth including walkways and comfortable seating. The more comfortable the seat, the longer the guest stays.

Step 3. Equipment

A minimal booth kit: a console or PC, a monitor or TV, a comfortable chair, peripherals. For a console lounge the starter set is cheaper and pays back faster.

Do not cut corners on chairs and audio — that is what the guest feels and comes back for.

Step 4. Pricing and economics

The base model is hourly billing with packages (3 hours cheaper than 3×1 hour) and different prices on weekdays and weekends. Add a bar: drinks and snacks have high margins and raise the average check.

Track utilization: break-even is usually reached at 30–40% average load in the evening hours. Peak-hour analytics help you raise prices when demand is highest.

Step 5. Tracking and automation

Manual time tracking on paper leads to losses and abuse. A session-tracking system counts time automatically, runs the till and shifts, shows real revenue and stops operators from “forgetting” to ring up orders.

GameClub covers this: one-tap session start, billing, booking, bar, shifts and analytics — no install, with offline mode. The first 30 days are free so you can test it on real traffic.

Try GameClub in your club — 30 days free

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