Video games are the new most effective mode of escapism and home entertainment. When the video game industry skyrocketed past the movie industry in sales, video game companies and their talented teams of designers became respected as the creators of the worlds that millions of teens as well as adults now choose to inhabit.

For better or for worse, fewer kids choose to play outside these days, and many often spend their time in front of a console where they fight virtual battles and explore electronically created worlds.

Knight’s Gaming Repair has been in business in Salt Lake City on 2100 South for three years. Owner Dustin Knight is a self taught computer expert who says that the recession has been great for business.

Dustin Knight: I started repairing Xbox’s when my own console broke.  The poor economy hasn’t hit us at all.  When a person’s machine breaks, most people can’t afford to just go out and buy a new one.  We offer cheap repairs and long warranties—it’s a no brainer.

We have since developed a proprietary technique for replacing broken chips in console motherboards called “re-balling.” It makes our repairs last 4-5 times longer than our competitors.

I personally have a love/hate relationship with technology.  I love gaming myself.  My wife and I actually met at a nickel arcade.  Video games are exciting and fun, and technology in general has made our life a lot easier.  On the other hand, I think it is also making us fat and lazy.  I hate games like World of Warcraft that isolate people and turn them into outcasts.  It’s such a waste of time.  I really miss the old days where people would get together to play games together.

Christmas Wishlist: I really want an Xbox Kinect.  We have one at our office, and it’s a lot of fun.  I think it’s going to revolutionize the gaming industry.

Learn more: www.knightsgamingrepair.com/