How to Start a Gaming Cafe in India (2026 Guide)
Step-by-step advice from a team running a gaming lounge in Mumbai, plus a done-for-you franchise route.
Quick answer: Pick a location with student, family, or office footfall, plan approximately 450 sq ft for a lounge mixing consoles, pool/TT and board games, register the business and get the local licences, set up hardware, billing software, staff and launch marketing. Or skip the build: a Loft64 gaming lounge franchise is ₹15 lakh (₹18 lakh with cafe) with setup, software and training included.
Step 1: Choose the Location
The right location drives footfall and repeat visits. Look for:
- ✓ Near colleges, offices, or residential areas with families
- ✓ Close to a metro/railway station or main road
- ✓ Ground floor or visible frontage for walk-in traffic
- ✓ Adequate power load and fibre internet availability
Step 2: Plan the Space and Game Mix
A mixed games lounge attracts groups, families, and party bookings—not just hardcore gamers. Consider including:
- 🎮 PlayStation / Console zone
- 🎱 Pool table
- 🏓 Table tennis
- ❄️ Air hockey
- 🪙 Carrom board
- 🎲 Board games library (25+ games)
- 🎤 Karaoke setup
- ☕ Cafe counter (optional)
The Loft64 model runs this mix on approximately 450 sq ft.
Step 3: Registrations and Licences
Requirements vary by state—consult your CA and local municipal office. Common licences include:
Step 4: Budget the Setup
Plan your budget across these line items:
Loft64 franchise option: ₹15 lakh (gaming lounge) or ₹18 lakh (with cafe) for ~450 sq ft, with interiors, gaming setup, software, training, and marketing included. See the cost breakdown →
Step 5: Pricing and Revenue Streams
Multiple revenue streams keep the business sustainable:
- • Session pricing: Our flagship charges ₹129 weekday / ₹149 weekend per 45 min
- • Food & drinks: Cafe menu adds to per-visit revenue
- • Birthday parties: Packages from ₹7,499 — see birthday packages
- • Kitty parties: Private venue hire for groups — see kitty party venue
- • Karaoke: Private karaoke sessions — see karaoke in Malad West
- • Events: Trivia nights, tournaments, open mic — see upcoming events
Explore the Loft64 menu for cafe items.
Step 6: Software, Staff and Launch
Software
- • Billing and POS system
- • GST-compliant invoicing
- • Session timers
- • Customer management
Staff
- • Hiring and screening
- • Operations training
- • Customer service training
- • SOPs and documentation
Launch
- • Pre-opening buzz
- • Social media setup
- • Grand opening event
- • Ongoing marketing
Gaming Cafe Franchise vs Starting Your Own
| Decision | Starting on Your Own | Loft64 Franchise |
|---|---|---|
| Location hunting | You research and negotiate | Location assistance provided |
| Interior design | Hire designers, manage contractors | Complete design and execution included |
| Gaming setup | Source hardware, set up yourself | Full gaming infrastructure included |
| Software | Find and configure billing/POS | Proprietary software provided |
| Hiring & training | Recruit and train from scratch | Hiring assistance & operations training |
| Launch marketing | Plan and execute yourself | Launch marketing + 3 months social media |
| Events support | Figure out event formats yourself | Event planning support included |
Ready to skip the guesswork? See the Loft64 franchise offering →
Visit a Running Gaming Lounge in Mumbai
Loft 64 - The Chilling Lounge
Shop No. 3, Asmita Sand Dunes, Om Nagar, Sunder Nagar, Malad West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400064
Hours: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm, every day
Phone / WhatsApp: +91 99877 62009
Email: support@loftsixtyfour.com
Or message us directly: wa.me/919987762009
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start a gaming cafe in India?
Pick a location with student, family, or office footfall, plan approximately 450 sq ft for a lounge mixing consoles, pool/TT and board games, register the business and get the local licences, set up hardware, billing software, staff and launch marketing. Or skip the build with a Loft64 gaming lounge franchise from ₹15 lakh (₹18 lakh with cafe).
How much space does a gaming cafe need?
The Loft64 model runs on approximately 450 sq ft, combining consoles, pool, table tennis, air hockey, carrom, and board games in one space.
What licences does a gaming cafe need in India?
Common licences include business registration, Shop & Establishment Act registration, GST registration, municipal trade licence, FSSAI licence (if serving food/drinks), fire NOC where required, and game/music public-performance licensing. Requirements vary by state—consult your CA and municipal office.
Is a PS5 lounge or a mixed games lounge better?
A mixed games lounge (consoles plus pool, TT, board games, carrom) attracts groups, families, and party bookings—not just hardcore gamers. This broader appeal supports birthday parties, kitty parties, and corporate events alongside regular gaming sessions.
How much does it cost to open a gaming cafe with Loft64?
A Loft64 gaming lounge franchise is ₹15 lakh for approximately 450 sq ft. Add the cafe option for ₹3 lakh (₹18 lakh total). Rent, deposit, licences, and working capital are not included in the franchise investment.
Do I need gaming experience to open a gaming cafe?
No prior gaming industry experience is required. Loft64 provides operations training, SOPs, staff hiring assistance, and proprietary software to run the business.
Can I see a working gaming cafe before deciding?
Yes. Visit the Loft64 flagship in Malad West, Mumbai: Shop No. 3, Asmita Sand Dunes, Om Nagar, Sunder Nagar, Malad West, Mumbai 400064. Open 10 am to 10 pm daily.
Ready to Start Your Gaming Cafe?
Get in touch to learn more about the Loft64 gaming lounge franchise—or visit our flagship to see the model in action.