ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — When schools used to close for the summer, gaming centers in Erbil would regularly be visited by crowds of children and teens – and sometimes adults - to pass the free time. However, the spread of coronavirus and the economic crisis in the Kurdistan Region has left many of them struggling to stay open. 

“Seven to eight people come to play games every day. This number is very low, compared to before. We charge them 3-4,000 IQD ($2.50-$3.30) for an hour,” Saeed, who owns a gaming center in Erbil city, told Rudaw. 

He now earns 20-30,000 IQD ($16.80- 25.20) in a day, down from 60-90,000 IQD ($50.40- 75.60) before the coronavirus pandemic and economic crisis began. On Fridays, he could earn up to 150-200,000IQD ($126-$ 168). Now, he makes half of that. 

He invested $6,000 in the business after graduating from accounting college. He says he will close his center once he finds a better job which could help him make ends meet. 

Although the centers are not affected by most of the coronavirus-related lockdowns, most people stay away. 

The Kurdistan Region was struck by an economic crisis this year due to spread of coronavirus, dramatic decreases in oil prices and the cut of its budget share from Baghdad. 

Some locals, like Mohammed Jaleel, cannot afford expensive gaming devices which cost  hundreds of dollars – instead visiting gaming centers to play there. 

“I am in my last year of school. I have been playing electronic games for eight months. I come here four to three times a week to play. The computers and internet network of the center are faster than those I have at home,” Jaleel told Rudaw, adding that he cannot afford expensive devices. 

The prices of devices has gone up since the coronavirus pandemic began, according to shop owner Alan Najat. 

“Although there is a lack of demand for the gaming devices, their prices have gone up due to coronavirus measures. It is hard to import electronic games to the Kurdistan Region,” he said.