Action and entertainment in the game café Nook

In the centre of Oulu there is a full-service café to spend your freetime. In there you can play all kinds of computer and console games.

At the age of Internet coffeehouses Mikko Veijola, 27, has taken the idea a bit further. In addition to gaming, Mikko's company is offering a multitude of services from accessories and gift sales to consulting.

In the game café visitors can play computer and console games in a wonderful atmosphere.

Hardcore gamer from the beginning

His own career in gaming Mikko started when he was a young boy. His first computer was, like with so many others, a classic Commodore 64. Developing his skills became soon the priority, so he ordered a game guide from a Finnish computer magazine MikroBitti. With the help of the magazine, he started to learn programming and there was no turning back.

Mikko graduated as a Bachelor of Business Administration from the School of Business and Information Management in the Spring 2006. According to Mikko the university of applied sciences didn't only give him technical skills, but also the knowledge of how to run your own business.

- The most important thing is to find an unique idea. After seeing how many of my friends are doing with their businesses, I can tell you that it is very hard to success in a business which already has tough competition, Mikko says.

According to Mikko Veijola one can't get rich by running a game café, but does get a fun profession.

Old classics are still hot stuff

It is not possible to get all the latest games to the café. On the other hand the most popular games are the older ones like Counter-Strike or World of Warcraft. New games come from sponsors and all the loose change which is left in the cash register goes to buying new games. The next bigger thing will be new console Nintendo Wii.

- We haven't used big stakes to get started. On the other hand we haven't made big mistakes either even though there have been changes for that, Mikko thinks.

The players can test their war strategies in a great atmosphere at Nook. The console games can be played in downstairs which is decorated with green camouflage textiles and sandbags.

Mikko estimates that there are about 100 visitors each week. The gamers who have once stepped their foot in the café, usually become regular customers. Those who were in the openings, usually come by weekly to play their favourite games.

There are no big chances to become rich by running the café, but you get a nice workplace in the exchange. Mikko also has a regular job, so when he is running the café, he usually spends his time playing his favourite games.