Is retro computing cool enough for Cyber Cafés?

[Delta]

Hi guys, I'm about to open a gaming center (cyber café) soon and in addition to top of the line gaming PCs I was thinking to have a small "retro" section with 2-3 machines such as A500 and C=64 for the nostalgics.  

I'm wondering if its a good idea or if I am just another weirdo that will make my customers laugh...  Any of you know someone who already does that?

[Delta]

Thanks for the enthusiast replies, it gives me a boost

I would surely setup the systems to be really easy to use, just click and play.  Easy for Amiga, just start the games trough icons as normal.

For C=64 I can make a little script in basic with a "press X key for game X".  I would definitely need an expansion that let me put the games on an SD card or a HD, I think there is plenty of info on the net about these kits for the C=64.(?)

Of course i'll have to check every licence that are still alive and see the conditions for commercial usage.  Most of it must be abandonware tho and therefore the fees are applied to using the computer "at large".

[Delta]

I like the idea of the Atari 2600   Haven't planned on getting consoles yet but if I do i'll surely keep the same "new meets retro" spirit.

A pile of floppies beside an amiga or a C=64 isnt my kind of idea for sure that's why I must have a practical solution like  a harddrive or a card reader.  

Emulators are tempting but it just isn't the same as the real thing.   I still even have my old CBM1701 monitor and plan to use it

[Delta]

WHDLoad is probably the best software for that kind of project.  Right now I only have an A500 but I'll look around for another model also.  2-3 retro stations will be enough for a start then we'll see.

The customers I have currently in my other store (hobby shop) aren't a bunch of savages that want to corrupt all my computers so I guess the new customers will also behave in a civilized manner so I'm not worried about having the retro machines configured simply.  

The PCs on the other hand will be managed by a software designed for cyber cafés which will leave me plenty of time for the rest.  

[Delta]

This is great stuff. thanks!

I just had a tought about the Minimig too (well bolted on the table) It could be a nice way to play classic games whitout any moving parts.  

[Delta]

I will defintely check if the copyright holders of each game can be reached and ask permission but if they are nowhere to be found I wonder why it should bug them anyways...  

Who would sue for ols stuff like this...plus in another country...  

Big companies like EA or Activision don't ask very big amounts to licence their games so I would laugh really loud if I had to pay at all for a game that is 20 years old or more...