NEW E-SPORTS AND GAMING BAR OPENS IN SCOTLAND

More and more esports/gaming bars are cropping up across the UK - and Aberdeen's Engage Gaming is the latest to open.

Billed as Scotland's 'first esports centre and one of its kind in Europe', it provides gamers with a venue to meet, play and compete.

Owners say the cafe caters for everyone 'from after-school gaming clubs to summer camps and from children’s parties to corporate teambuilding events'.

Engaged Gaming has transformed the former Stage Door building on North Silver Street into a gaming facility with 180sq ft of space.

Stewart Gibson, a spokesman for Engage Gaming, said: "I knew there was a market out there for a full-time venue that could cater for the hardcore gamers and still appeal to a more mainstream market. When we found the former Stage Door restaurant I knew it was an amazing space that could easily be converted."

"WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO FINALLY HAVING A PLACE WHERE ANYONE WITH AN INTEREST IN GAMING CAN GET TOGETHER AND PLAY GAMES, COMPETE, OR WATCH STREAMED TOURNAMENTS."

MATT SANDHOLM, ENGAGE GAMING

Engage Gaming has gaming PCs, Xbox Ones and PS4s, as well as virtual reality gear. It also has a relaxation zone for customers, with a licensed bar and café, and of course plans to host local esports tournaments.

Ten jobs have been created and as many as 20 are expected within the coming months.

The gaming space has been custom-designed by award-winning local design teams, artists and GT Omega Racing, with top of the range gaming chairs and cockpits in the centre.

Matt Sandholm, digital marketing manager at Engage Gaming, said: "We are really excited about this venture and looking forward to finally having a place where anyone with an interest in gaming can get together and play games, compete, or watch streamed tournaments.

"It's going to expand the gaming community in Aberdeen."