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A TEENAGE video gaming enthusiast is today beating the economic blues after launching a groundbreaking business venture.
David Strickland set up Open Gaming League - a forum for computer games fans to take part in tournaments - after spotting a niche in the market two years ago.
Today, meetings attract more than 80 people, all competing using state-of-the-art equipment in comfortable surroundings.
The 19-year-old came up with the idea after organising gaming sessions for pals in his garage.
Mr Strickland said: “It all started with playing computer games in my garage and I thought that it could be turned into a social thing.
“It is really good to see lots of people socialising on a thing most people expect to be quite an unsocial activity.
“My first event drew just five people. We expect about 100 to show up for our next.
“There is nowhere else like this. People should come along and give it a try.”
The success of his business ties in with The Evening Star's Fightback campaign, which aims to highlight the county's firms prospering despite the recession.
While Open Gaming League events are targeted at teenagers, Mr Strickland said children as young as six and adults as old as 26 have taken part.
Meanwhile, an increasing number of girls have begun to show an interest.
Mr Strickland said: “We have got a dance pad now and I think more girls are interested in that.”
Entry to the events, held every two to three weeks, costs £5. They take place between 2pm and 5pm.
Most sessions are held at the Novotel in Ipswich's Grey Friars Road. The next one will take place on Saturday, April 4.
For more information visit www.openleaguegaming.com
Open League Gaming featured in the Evening Star newspaper.
A TEENAGE video gaming enthusiast is today beating the economic blues after launching a groundbreaking business venture.
David Strickland set up Open Gaming League - a forum for computer games fans to take part in tournaments - after spotting a niche in the market two years ago.
Today, meetings attract more than 80 people, all competing using state-of-the-art equipment in comfortable surroundings.
The 19-year-old came up with the idea after organising gaming sessions for pals in his garage.
Mr Strickland said: “It all started with playing computer games in my garage and I thought that it could be turned into a social thing.
“It is really good to see lots of people socialising on a thing most people expect to be quite an unsocial activity.
“My first event drew just five people. We expect about 100 to show up for our next.
“There is nowhere else like this. People should come along and give it a try.”
The success of his business ties in with The Evening Star's Fightback campaign, which aims to highlight the county's firms prospering despite the recession.
While Open Gaming League events are targeted at teenagers, Mr Strickland said children as young as six and adults as old as 26 have taken part.
Meanwhile, an increasing number of girls have begun to show an interest.
Mr Strickland said: “We have got a dance pad now and I think more girls are interested in that.”
Entry to the events, held every two to three weeks, costs £5. They take place between 2pm and 5pm.
Most sessions are held at the Novotel in Ipswich's Grey Friars Road. The next one will take place on Saturday, April 4.
For more information visit www.openleaguegaming.com
