PLAYlive Nation/Simplicity Esports 

Initial contract period: 10 years 

Initial membership fee: $47,500 

Royalties: 6% 

Franchise support: 98-hour training program, 44-hour on-the-job training, continuous technical support.  

Number of locations: 81 

Headquarters: USA 

PLAYlive Nation has merged with a popular esports organization, Simplicity esports, meaning you can be confident in the quality of the services if you select their franchise. You can choose from several types of franchises, such as opening a single store, a multi-store, a conversion store, or a co-brand store. You can also discuss a custom option when opening your own PLAYlive establishment.  

Today, PLAYlive Nation affiliates dozens of locations all over the United States and remains one of the biggest franchisors in the country. Among the types of revenue streams that are available to PLAYlive Nation franchisees: membership fees for customers, gaming tournaments, birthdays, parties, merch sales, and others.   

Contender Esports 

Initial contract period: 10 years 

Initial membership fee: $39,000 

Royalties: 6% 

Franchise support: six-week intensive business academy, 3-day operational training program, six-week consulting program. Assets, brand messaging, graphics, training, tools and support to promote the gaming center. 

Number of locations: 26 

Headquarters: USA 

Сontender esports is a well-known internet cafe franchise that offers both development and individual unit franchises to investors. Even though the brand emerged not too long ago, it has already got branches in the United States, Canada, and Saudi Arabia!  

Anybody who’s buying Сontender esports franchise gets a whole package that includes marketing materials, purchase of equipment, and hardware setup. Opening a gaming center under this franchise requires a minimum of $199,400, but the price can be higher depending on chosen services. The company often organizes gaming tournaments within their network to strengthen the community. 

Gameworks 

Initial contract period: –  

Initial membership fee: –  

Royalties: –  

Franchise support: –  

Number of locations: 7 

Headquarters: USA  

GameWorks is a network of entertainment and gaming centers in the United States. At GameWorks, gamers enjoy more than a hundred esports titles, a collection of arcade games, while also winning prizes. The network offers entertainment for people of all ages and welcomes everybody to enjoy games regardless of their level. Another benefit for GameWorks customers is the superb American cuisine offered to visitors of each location.  

Esports Arena 

Initial contract period: – 

Initial membership fee: – 

Royalties: – 

Franchise support: – 

Number of locations: 19 

Headquarters: USA 

Esports Arena has been around for a while now – the first venue under this brand opened in 2015. Following the success of their first location, the company opened several others across the United States, particularly in Walmart stores. Today, there are 19 esports Arena venues operating, with the Las Vegas Luxor Hotel location being the most pompous.  

Esports Arena organizes various tournaments online in addition to those that can be attended straight at their brick-and-mortar venues every week. Esports Arena is definitely a reliable option for an aspiring franchisee, especially because it comes with a community of dedicated players that choose Esport Arena over any other gaming center. 

Localhost/Nerd Street 

Initial contract period:  – 

Initial membership fee:  – 

Royalties: – 

Franchise support: – 

Number of locations: 10 

Headquarters: USA 

Nerd Street Gamers is an esports arena franchise that currently has 10 affiliated stores and partner locations in the United States. The aim of the company is to provide gamers with the latest and the coolest equipment at their training centers. All Nerd Street Gamers can expect to install hardware of the highest quality. Nerd Street Gamers host a variety of different gaming events and tournaments for gaming enthusiasts, which also increases their appeal as a franchise. 

E-Blue Gaming 

Initial contract period: – 

Initial membership fee: – 

Royalties: – 

Franchise support: design service, equipment, operation, training, business and marketing support 

Number of locations: 1,000+ 

Countries: USA, China, Hong Kong 

A franchise solution from E-Blue Gaming comes with anything that you may need for a successful operation of your own gaming center. The advantage is that there is zero franchise fee and franchisees get operation, marketing, design, and equipment support.  

E-Blue Gaming has more than 20 years of experience in the industry, and they’ve opened more than 1,000 E-Blue centers in different parts of the world. Franchisees have an opportunity to choose from several earning business models. The minimum investment for those who want to open an E-Blue location would be equal to $100,000.   

Game Stop 

Initial contract period:  –   

Initial membership fee: $25,000 

Royalties: – 

Franchise support: staff training, technical and management support for franchisees 

Number of locations: 11 

Countries: USA 

The company started its journey creating and selling gaming merchandise but then recently pivoted and opened gaming arenas in 11 stores. The company uses modern equipment and gaming software to make running a business an easier experience. GameStop provides gamers with modern periphery and popular games, and it’s not surprising that so many players return to GameStop to continue playing. As for the franchise cost, the minimum investment is $25,000 and the franchise fee is also $25,000.  

Belong Gaming 

Initial contract period: –    

Initial membership fee:  –   

Royalties: – 

Franchise support:  –   

Number of locations: 22 

Countries: United Kingdom 

Another franchise option that needs to be discussed is offered by Belong Gaming. The company was created in 2016 and already has a few locations operating in the United States and the United Kingdom. According to the company, they plan to increase the number of arenas in the US up to 500 in the next several years, so they definitely have a course on expansion. Frequent events and tournaments organized by Belong Gaming attract gaming enthusiasts from all walks of life. The company is focused on providing the best experience for their visitors. 

Game 

Initial contract period: – 

Initial membership fee: – 

Royalties: – 

Franchise support: –  

Number of locations: 240 (not all of them have gaming zone) 

Countries: United Kingdom 

Not only Game offers the latest and exciting games, but they also provide arenas where gamers can play against each other. There are 240 stores opened in the United Kingdom and some of them have special gaming areas where gamers can have fun. Such spaces offer powerful gaming computers, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and a range of other popular consoles. There are also VR opportunities for gamers to explore, which is an appealing bonus for customers.  

TNC 

Initial contract period: 5 years  

Initial membership fee: no fee 

Royalties: no royalties  

Franchise support: procurement program, research and development, training for the staff, opening assistance, operations manual, and more  

Number of locations: 140 

Countries: Philippines  

TNC Cyber Café is one of the leading and fastest-growing gaming chains in the Philippines. The chain provides state-of-the-art equipment and well-designed facilities for those who appreciate esports. The history of TNC started back in 2007, and they got global brand recognition over the years. Those who choose this franchise won’t be left alone in their endeavors, as the company offers proper training for business owners and everything else they might need.  

Mineski Infinity  

Initial contract period: 5 years  

Initial membership fee: PHP 600,000 

Royalties: 10% 

Franchise support: pre-opening training, promotion assistance, customer service support, interior construction and design, opening guidance, and more.  

Number of locations: 39 

Country: Philippines 

If we talk about the gaming opportunities in Southeast Asia, it is impossible not to mention Mineski Infinity. It is a network of premium cybercafes that are perfect for both casual gamers and professionals who are looking for a training location. When it comes to franchising, support of Mineski Infinity is extensive. You can expect to get a high level of training for employees and all the guidance you need to succeed.  

CyberCore Gaming 

Initial contract period: –  

Initial membership fee: –  

Royalties: –  

Franchise support: advice on license registration, decorations, design, choosing components for the store, etc.  

Number of locations: 621 

Country: Vietnam 

The history of CyberCore Gaming begins in 2013. Over the years the organization managed to gain a great reputation. Referred to as ‘Eagle in the Gaming Industry,’ this large network already has 621 locations in Vietnam. Their venues are decorated with a bright and modern design – customers can certainly feel the atmosphere of digital gaming. As for franchising, CyberCore offers numerous opportunities and helps business owners along the way.   

Ways Station 

Initial contract period: –  

Initial membership fee: –  

Royalties: –  

Franchise support: –  

Number of locations: 19 

Country: Vietnam 

Vietnam has a lot of gaming centers, and Ways Station is one of the most prominent players on the market. Ways Station provides high-quality of computers, so it’s possible to play even the most demanding games. As for the comfort of stay, visitors of the network are served drinks and food. This Asian brand also is famous for its affordable prices for customers and its promotion offers on a weekly and monthly basis.  

Battlenet 

Initial contract period: –  

Initial membership fee: EUR 5000 

Royalties: fixed monthly fee  

Franchise support: 24-house technical support, replacement of equipment, Internet café management program, and more  

Number of locations: 59  

Country: Greece  

Battlenet is a growing gaming chain from Greece that currently includes 59 brand stores worldwide. One of the great things about this franchise is that the company offers 3D entertainment experiences in addition to standard gaming services. Visitors get access to consoles, PCs, TVs, as well as billiards, ping pong, foosball, and others. When you choose Battlenet as a franchisor, they take care of interior design and equipment.  

INSPOT 

Initial contract period: –  

Initial membership fee: –  

Royalties: –  

Franchise support: 24/7 support, custom software, tournament organization, continuous education of personnel.  

Number of locations: 85 

Country: Greece  

INSPOT is a pioneer esports organization in Greece, as it boasts 22 years of operation in the industry. The company often collaborates with famous gaming companies and esports teams, which only increases its credibility. All the INSPOT locations offer PC and console gaming on high-end hardware, organizes tournaments and provides board games as well. INSPOT gaming centers organize events every day in more than 85 affiliated locations in Cyprus and in Greece.  

The Web 

Initial contract period: –  

Initial membership fee: no entry fee  

Royalties: –  

Franchise support: consulting services, accounting, legal procedures, technical support, provision of specialized software 

Number of locations: 17 

Country: Greece  

The Web is another Greek franchise of gaming lounges. There are plenty of gaming events taking place at The Web locations for various popular titles. This network sells franchises to entrepreneurs and provides technical and management support. They carefully choose their franchisee and, according to The Web, they view their franchise proposal as a business development tool rather than a sales offer.  

Bits and Bytes 

Initial contract period: –  

Initial membership fee: no entry fee  

Royalties: EUR 10/PC per month 

Franchise support: – 

Number of locations: 17 

Country: Greece  

Another chain of gaming centers in Greece. It is one of the most rapidly developing companies in its niche, providing both online gaming and Internet services. The company is focused on developing esports in Greece and already has 17 locations for gamers to attend. Those who are into gaming can also participate in National Championships that are organized by The Bits and Bytes annually.   

Gnet 

Initial contract period: 10 years  

Initial membership fee: EUR 5,000 

Royalties: EUR 100 per month  

Franchise support: administration management, integrated support, legal protection, education of employees, marketing, and communication services. 

Number of locations: 90+  

Country: Greece  

Gnet is a popular chain of gaming centers in Greece. Gnet stands out with its state-of-the-art equipment, fast and stable Internet connection, and ideal atmosphere for gaming. There are 12 franchise stores and more than 50 powered by Gnet stores are opened in Cyprus and in Greece. One of the benefits of joining their franchise is that the company provides extensive support to their franchisees. 

Conect Rio 

Initial contract period: –  

Initial membership fee: –  

Royalties: –  

Franchise support: –  

Number of locations: 11 

Country: Brazil 

The concept of Conect RIO franchise is quite simple: they provide access to the Internet and additional services in compact spaces, like in shopping centers and malls. Visitors of Conect RIO can use the Internet for entertainment purposes or scan, copy, print any kinds of documents. There are several active locations in Rio de Janeiro with franchise available across the entire country. 

H2O Esports/Go!Gaming 

Initial contract period: –  

Initial membership fee: –  

Royalties: –  

Franchise support: –  

Number of locations: 100+ organizations/5 gaming locations 

Country: Netherlands  

Netherlands can also boast some great gaming centers, including those managed by H2O Esports/Go!Gaming network. Go!Gaming came about as a result of the collaboration between Pathé Theatres BV and H20 Esports Campus Amsterdam. There are currently five gaming locations in the cities of the Netherlands, including Rotterdam, Groningen, Purmerend, Utrecht, and Maastricht. The network offers console and PC gaming on high-quality equipment, as well as SIM racing stations.  

How Much Does an Esports Arena Franchise Cost? 

People that are new to the world of gaming investment wonder — how much does an esports arena franchise cost? This is quite a complex question, as the cost depends on a wide range of factors, like the cost of rent, the number of computers at the venue, location, and more. The average minimum investment if you want to join a successful franchise is around $50,000-$200,000 for a start.  

It is important to note that the initial investment doesn’t cover all expenditures needed to open a gaming venue. During the first months of operation a new business may require more expenses to raise awareness and create a loyal following. 

On the bright side, aspiring business owners should consider the time of pay back and different revenue streams that might eventually mitigate high initial spendings. SENET, for example, provides an opportunity to earn commission from ad placements, software distribution, or partner program for franchisors. None of these require additional computing power or extra investment to start, but all of them accumulate a certain amount of revenue that will balance out the spendings\income ratio. 

Numerous Franchises to Everyone’s Taste 

When looking for an esports franchise to invest in, it can be confusing which one will work for you. It is important to consider several alternatives, look up initial costs, and compare their offers. All options mentioned in this article are offered by reliable companies, but it is your vision and how much you are willing to spend that will determine which franchise to join. Regardless of the final choice, we all have to keep in mind our mission – to create safe spaces where gamers would want to spend long hours playing their favorite games.