Raven for recreation: Premium games at pleasing prices

The sharp click of balls, occasional cheer after a well-played shot and the lively chatter of friends creating a lively atmosphere. From one corner comes the sound of a competitive game, while another, friends exchange jokes and playful remarks between turns. The mix of laughter, conversation and the steady sounds of games create a vibrant atmosphere, giving visitors a chance to take a break from their daily routine and spend time together.

Indoor gaming has become a popular way of spending leisure time among young people in Dhaka. Gaming and recreational zones have added to the city's growing options for indoor entertainment.

The gaming lounge I recently visited in Mirpur DOHS Gate-1, however, offered something somewhat different than those regular gaming places. It was not just another regular digital amusement gaming centre.

It brought together traditional table-and-cue sports such as billiards, snooker, pools etc. that are more commonly found in five-star hotels, luxury clubs or exclusive recreational spaces in the capital, while keeping the cost within reach of common.

This place is Raven, which has been operating for around a year and a half.

The setup really looks like an expensive recreational zone of a club. Billiards, snooker and pool tables occupy the main lounge, while a separate room is also dedicated to PlayStation 5 for FIFA (football simulation game) and racing games, for the people interested in digital games.

This division gives each type of game its own space, allowing a group of friends to settle into their own interest.

The interior is bright and attractive, with sufficient lighting for players and neatly arranged equipment. The place is also clean and well maintained.

It has the appearance of a relatively upscale gaming lounge, although its pricing is considerably less than what one might expect from such a setting.

The pricing is perhaps one of the biggest reason to attract customers. The hourly rates range from just only Tk 8 to Tk 15 for different tables! Quite a rate of course for enjoying the games over a long period.

The prices of PlayStation 5 for racing and FIFA games are comparatively higher, given that they are console games, but the rates remain accessible for groups of friends when the cost is shared among several players.

That affordability is perhaps the main reason behind Raven's growing popularity.

During our visit, students made up a significant part of the crowd. Some came in groups to play after classes, while others said they spend several hours there during holidays.

The venue also has regular customers from the corporate and business community, particularly those interested in these games.

One student, who visits Raven regularly with friends, said the friendly staff and affordable rates keep bringing them back.

The student said, "The staffs are very friendly and helpful, and the place is not as expensive as other gaming spots. That is why we come here almost every day. On holidays, we sometimes stay here for the whole day to play."

For some visitors, Raven has become a way to disconnect from the stress of work. A businessman who regularly visits the lounge said he particularly enjoys playing after office hours. "During the day, I am busy with work, but at night, this is a place where I feel my workload disappears. I have a great interest in snooker and pool, so after work I come straight here to play," he said.

The manager also spoke about the atmosphere at Raven. He said, "It does not even feel like hard work. The owners are very friendly, and as people come here to enjoy themselves, there is always a pleasant atmosphere."

The story behind the place became even more interesting when we met its owner.

As I looked around the place and spoke to some of the visitors, I casually asked about the owner to the manager. A staff member told me that he was in his office and went to call him. To my surprise, a teenage boy soon walked out and politely asked if there was anything I needed.

When I asked if he was the owner, he simply nodded. Seeing the place, its setup and the people who had gathered there, I had expected someone considerably older to be behind the business. My curiosity grew, and I wanted to know more about how such a place came into being.

I sat down with him for a conversation, and his enthusiasm about the gaming lounge quickly became apparent. Although the business was funded by his father, he was the one who had suggested the idea and later took responsibility for running it.

His father remains occupied with his professional commitments, while the young owner, who has a strong personal interest in these games, looks after the day-to-day operations.

He told me that his interest had developed through watching games, visiting different clubs and observing the kind of facilities available there.

He wanted to create a place where people could enjoy similar games and facilities without having to pay the prices usually associated with exclusive clubs and luxury hotels.

What I found particularly interesting was how involved he seemed to be with the place. After our conversation, he showed me around the different sections of the gaming lounge, as well as the coffee shops and restaurants downstairs.

He then played a few rounds with my brother and father for quite some time, and they all seemed to have a genuinely enjoyable time together. As my mother and I did not know how to play, he encouraged us to try and guided us through everything, making us feel comfortable and welcome.

Once our conversation was over, he went back to other visitors, where they were playing, and spent time talking to them. The visitors said that he sometimes join regular customers for a game.

For someone so young, seeing him move between managing the place, talking to visitors and occasionally joining them gave the gaming lounge a more personal character. It felt less like a business he owned and more like a place he genuinely enjoyed being part of.

The change Raven has undergone since opening has been significant, according to those involved with the venue. Its customer base has expanded, with students and businesspeople becoming regular visitors. Nowadays, the staff member mentioned, some band musicians with his group and friends visit here to play.

The venue also has a designated smoking area for those who prefer to smoke while taking a break from gaming. For those who want a drink between games, there is a small coffee and beverage corner inside the gaming lounge. Visitors can order coffee or other drinks without having to leave the playing area.

There are also cafes and restaurants downstairs, so players can have snacks, coffee or a proper meal without having to go elsewhere. This makes the place convenient for those who want to spend several hours there, particularly during holidays.

Raven is not simply another place to play indoor games. Its appeal lies in bringing together games that are often considered expensive leisure activities and making them available to a wider group of people.

For students, it offers an affordable way to spend time with friends. For working people, it provides an opportunity to leave the day's work behind for a while. And for those who have long enjoyed billiards, it offers a place to pursue those interests without the usual expense associated with exclusive clubs.