Video games enthusiasts are being offered the chance to meet and compete at a new, purpose-built centre. Lazy Gamer, which opened in Headington, Oxford, earlier this month, provides a selection of top-of-the-range game consoles and up-to-the-minute versions of top-selling games for enthusiasts to try.

The venue has been set up with a local area network (LAN) for enthusiasts to pit their wits against each other using different machines while also meeting like-minded individuals.

The business has been started by Chris Povey, 26, and 25-year-old Mohammad Rahgozar who have invested £60,000 in the new venture.

Mr Povey, who has previously worked as a games developer at major companies such as Microsoft and Electronic Arts, said: “Mohammad and I are friends from school and he called me and asked if I wanted to do this.

“I thought it was a great opportunity to run my own business. There is nothing like it in Oxford.”

Although originally from Guildford in Surrey, Mr Rahgozar is a graduate from Oxford Brookes University and decided the city would be a good location for the business, given the large number of students who enjoy video games.

Mr Povey added there was already considerable interest being generated through social media sites and the duo are also acting on feedback from a “test day” held recently.

He said: “We want to create a social atmosphere, a place to link up with your friends. We have built high-specification computers to play games which they may not be able to access in halls of residence as they are often blocked.”

Special gaming tournaments and events will also be organised with food and drink provided while special parties for youngsters will also be available.

Charges will be about £3.50 an hour with discounts for longer periods. Japanese Manga collectors’ items are also in stock.