K&R Game Room

K&R Game Room owner Robert Bey.

All ages can experience the thrills of button mashing on the latest games and technology by the hour at Lansing’s first brick and mortar gaming-rental arcade. The building also stocks two pool tables, a bumper pool table, air hockey and a basketball shot game.

Owner Robert Bey got the idea from Rolling Video Games of Michigan’s mobile gaming truck. So he rented a storage space and stocked up on gaming equipment until opening the new place in January. He acquired his 10 sleek, new leather gaming chairs at an office supply store on Black Friday.

The interior is painted with impressions of gaming controllers and even has one wall decked out with a “loading screen” theme.

“I would’ve loved this as a kid. I would’ve probably begged my parents to take me here all the time,” Bey said.

Getting into gaming specifics, Bey sports five flat screen televisions, two Xbox Ones, three Playstation 4s, an Oculus Rift virtual reality headset and two controllers for each system. Games are preloaded onto each system, including the omnipresent “Fortnite” game sweeping players worldwide.

A 2018 report from “Fortnite” developer, Epic Games, showed a saturation of 125 million players and counting.

“Right now the number one selection is ‘Fortnite.’ Kids don’t even want to play other games besides it.”

Patrons pay a rate of $3.50 an hour for all ages.

Video games sometimes get an undeserved bad reputation, Bey said.

“I played with sticks and rocks as a kid, but I see nothing wrong with gaming. My son doesn’t like to play outside all the time so if he wants to play games, as long as he is up with his grades and not slacking in school, I’ll let him play.”

Besides, being in a collaborative space gaming with other people is much better than gaming alone, Bey said.

“I’ve seen a lot of kids make new friends here. Every kid that came in here has loved it.”

In the summertime, Bey plans on hosting an after school program with tutors a few days a week in the space. He also wants to stock up on board games for those not interested in games on screen.

“I try to give people different options who want to game and come back.”

Prior to opening his own business, Bey was a stocker at Young’s Beauty Supply in Logan Square.

“It is a good feeling to be my own boss, but now I have to take care of many more responsibilities,” he said.

Aside from single players, the space can also be rented for parties or events. Brought in food is welcome.

Pending on the business’ success, Bey wants to add two old school arcade machines as well as more games. He is open for suggestions.

“I love video games and thought ‘let’s try something for the kids’. Every time the kids are here, I see the vision more."

K&R Game Room

10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Daily, 3409 S. Cedar St., Lansing facebook.com/ KRGameRoom (517) 574-4804