Dnyaneshwari Katkar is a journalist with Pune Times and writes en... Read More
Dnyaneshwari Katkar is a journalist with Pune Times and writes entertainment and lifestyle features, news and interviews.Read Less
Gaming cafes are where the city’s locking horns
By the time it’s 10 pm on a weekend, the city goes into the usual rhythm — dinner, maybe a movie and a good night’s sleep. But at gaming cafes, the night is just getting started. Screens glow, voices overlap over headsets, someone is midValorant match, a group is arguing over a last-minute goal; it’s loud, immersive, and oddly comforting.
MORE THAN JUST SCREENS
At Ministry of Esports in Pimple Nilakh, rows of high-end PCs, PS5 consoles, VR setups, and racing simulators make it feel less like a cafe and more like a full-fledged experience zone. But behind that is a clear intent to make gaming accessible.
That balance reflects in the crowd. College students drop in between classes, working professionals walk in after work, and weekends sessions go on for hours.
THE CROWD THAT SHOWS UP
Spend enough time here, and the gamer stereotype starts to dissolve.
What to try at gaming cafes● High-end PC gaming (Valorant, CS, Dota, League of Legends)
●Console gaming, PS5, Xbox, Nintendo (EA Sports FC aka FIFA, WWE, Mortal Kombat, Spider-Man, GTA)
●VR gaming zones l Racing simulators, F1 (static & motion), MotoGP, Forza
●Retro arcade machines l Co-op games like It Takes Two
The competitive spirit of gamingAlongside the casual crowd, there’s also a more structured ecosystem quietly taking shape.
From regular tournaments to brand collaborations and mentorship sessions, spaces are being designed to bridge casual gaming and competitive play. Romir Adhiya, a student and professional Valorant player, is a direct outcome of that ecosystem. What began as casual play during lockdown has evolved into something far more serious for him. “We practice almost every day. The cafe supports us with hours, and in return, we represent them. It’s a proper setup now,” he says.
Approx cost● PC gaming : ₹50–₹100 per hour
●Consoles (PS5): ₹100 per person/hour, group caps available
●VR gaming: ₹150 per hour
●F1 simulators: ₹400–₹800 depending on setup
●MotoGP simulator: ₹450 for 15 minutes
(Photo Jignesh Mistry)
MORE THAN JUST SCREENS
At Ministry of Esports in Pimple Nilakh, rows of high-end PCs, PS5 consoles, VR setups, and racing simulators make it feel less like a cafe and more like a full-fledged experience zone. But behind that is a clear intent to make gaming accessible.
“We wanted to create something that feels premium but is pocketfriendly. Otherwise, it becomes a barrier for many,” says owner Ankush Mehta.
Dr Vipul Lunawat of Pro Gaming ISST and President of Maharashtra Esports Association, says that gaming in a shared space is livelier than playing at home. “People come in groups, and the atmosphere itself becomes the experience,” he adds.
Setup at Pro Gaming by ISST (Photo Jignesh Mistry)
THE CROWD THAT SHOWS UP
Spend enough time here, and the gamer stereotype starts to dissolve.
“I’ve seen youngsters playing with people in their 40s. There were even women who came in for a kitty party and ended up playing games,” says Vikas. That widening audience is something Ankush has been noticing too. “There’s been a steady rise in female gamers. A lot of them tell us they feel comfortable at such cafes.”For 19-year-old Pankhudi Gupta, the appeal is simple but strong. “I come here thrice a week, and it is honestly my favourite part of the day. You just go, book a PS5 and play. I’d happily spend my entire afternoon there,” she shares.
(Photo Jignesh Mistry)
What to try at gaming cafes● High-end PC gaming (Valorant, CS, Dota, League of Legends)
●Console gaming, PS5, Xbox, Nintendo (EA Sports FC aka FIFA, WWE, Mortal Kombat, Spider-Man, GTA)
●VR gaming zones l Racing simulators, F1 (static & motion), MotoGP, Forza
●Retro arcade machines l Co-op games like It Takes Two
Moto GP simulator at Ministry of Esports in Pimple Nilakh (Photo Jignesh Mistry)
The competitive spirit of gamingAlongside the casual crowd, there’s also a more structured ecosystem quietly taking shape.
“A lot of gamers come to train at our centres,” says Vipul, adding, “Esports is becoming a proper career path, and we’re working towards building that structure for gamers.”
Approx cost● PC gaming : ₹50–₹100 per hour
●Consoles (PS5): ₹100 per person/hour, group caps available
●VR gaming: ₹150 per hour
●F1 simulators: ₹400–₹800 depending on setup
●MotoGP simulator: ₹450 for 15 minutes
(Photo Jignesh Mistry)
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