Looking up from his laptop at Pittsburgh CyberConXion in Squirrel Hill, William Breslove, 52, watched his son playing video games recently at one of the cybercafe's dozens of computer terminals.
"This is more than just a modern arcade on steroids," said Breslove. "For all the wonders of technology, kids still like to be next to their buddies, to share candy, as well as the game."
Parents bring their kids to CyberConXion -- pronounced "cyber connection" (clever, huh?) -- because it offers a place to stay late, have dinner and engage in friendly competition, Breslove said.
The cybercafe opened in 2004 and remains the only gaming center of its kind in Pittsburgh, said co-owner Leon Edelsack, 51.
"It's the pool hall of the '50s, it's the arcade of the '60s, it's the next form of entertainment for our age," said co-owner Larry Hochendoner, 50.
An independently owned business, Pittsburgh's CyberConXion has had 30 percent yearly membership growth, and averages about five new members a day, the owners said.
Inside the 3,700-square-foot cybercafe, there are 65 high-speed personal computer stations, four 110-inch high-definition projection screens and every mainstream game a player could want, Edelsack said.
"I'm playing 'Counterstrike,' because it's fun and you get to shoot people," said John Mastranl, 13, a student at Allderdice High School. With several schools near the store, CyberConXion attracts a large number of students, especially mid-afternoon -- the after-school crush.
The Local Area Network system at CyberConXion means Mastranl could compete with 39 players at a time -- all of whom are sitting in the same room.
"On any given Friday or Saturday afternoon, we may have every computer filled up," said Joseph Edelsack, 18, son of the owner and an employee at CyberConXion.
Players also can bring their Xbox 360s to the facility and play live against others.
While kids can access Xbox Live -- an interactive online gaming platform -- from home, many still want to game with their friends in person, Hochendoner said.
At CyberConXion, it's not about the technology, it's about interacting, he said.
Open seven days a week, CyberConXion offers personal computer and console gaming, training and educational services.
"Here they have access to all the best gaming computers, video cards, and more importantly, I don't have to be an expert," said Breslove, working on his on computer while his son played nearby.
"Usually, younger kids come here with a bunch of kids, and play around on games together, and you know, have a good time," Justin Summer, 18, a student at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, said while building characters on his personal computer for an online gaming competition with his friends.
Gamers pay $5 an hour on weekdays and $7 an hour on weekends. The store maintains an online presence at www.pghcyberconxion.com .
"Our goal is to open a couple more (stores) in Pittsburgh," Leon Edelsack said as he handed a customer a video game. The owners are looking at opening new outlets in the South Hills and North Hills.
Additional Information:
CyberConXion
Where: 1710 Murray Ave., Level II, Squirrel HillWhen: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun.-Thurs.; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fri.-Sat.
Admission: $5 an hour weekdays; $7 an hour weekends
Details: 412-325-7606 or www.pghcyberconxion.com
