Lauren Akamine’s home away from home is Mothership Books and Games in North Austin. To her it is a place for gamers to play socially—a Cheers without the bar.

“Growing up in the ’80s and ’90s, nerds weren’t cool,” Akamine said. “Now the nerdier you are the cooler you are. [Mothership is] a haven for nerds; we celebrate nerdom.”

When she heard former owners Derrick and Laurie Crowe were moving back to Washington, D.C., to raise their family, Akamine took over ownership of the business in November.

“I bought this store out of love,” she said. “My social circle and personal relationships are here.”

Mothership is a social gaming center with tables for board and tabletop game play and 20 computer bays for online gaming such as “League of Legends” and “Counter-Strike.”

Computer play starts at $3 an hour or $15 for a day pass with other packages available.

Akamine said the store has more than 30 preloaded games, and Mothership’s computers have top-of-the-line graphics and hardware for optimal play.

The store also hosts weekly events and tournaments. It is best known for hosting events for “Magic: The Gathering,” a trading card game in which players use cards and strategy to beat opponents.

Mothership also offers free open play in which anyone can come in and play a game from the store’s library or purchase a game to play. Akamine said customers can buy snacks or have food delivered to Mothership.

“It’s a cheap date or group date,” Akamine said.

Most of the store’s revenue comes from sales of snacks and games, but that is not the purpose of the business, Akamine said.

“It’s about bringing people together who share common interests,” she said. “It’s harder to meet people with a gaming interest.”