Jesse Parker, a 28-year-old entrepreneur, has transformed his passion for gaming into a business by opening **Nero’s Cyberspace Lounge** in downtown **Oroville, California**. The lounge, which officially opened on **October 30, 2025**, aims to create a welcoming space for gamers aged 18 and older to come together and enjoy gaming in a social environment.
Parker’s journey to ownership was driven by his experiences as a child on the autism spectrum and with ADHD. He recalls being the “skinny nerdy kid” who faced relentless bullying in school. Today, he embraces the labels of gamer and anime enthusiast, and he is committed to fostering a community where everyone can feel included and safe.
Reviving the Social Aspect of Gaming
In recent years, gaming has shifted from social environments, such as arcades, to more isolated online experiences. Parker believes that this change has diminished the social aspect of gaming. He states, “When gaming first became popular, it was in arcades in a social environment for kids and young adults to come together, hang out, and just play.” He envisions Nero’s as a space to return gaming to its social roots.
The concept of a gaming lounge had been on Parker’s mind for years, stemming from his desire to recreate the experience of playing games with others. “I missed being able to play games with people in physical proximity,” he explains, highlighting the importance of social interaction in gaming.
Finding the right location proved challenging, but with the assistance of local businessman **Brian Wong**, who owns the building at **1440 Myers St.**, Parker secured a suitable suite in the building’s “mini mall.” After extensive renovations, including fresh paint, comfortable seating, and the installation of a large projection screen, the lounge is now equipped with a variety of gaming consoles, such as the **Xbox 360**, **Atari 2600**, and an emulator featuring **620 retro games**.
Affordable Gaming for All
To make gaming accessible, Nero’s offers a single-day pass for **$20**, allowing unlimited play. Membership options include a **one-month Player 1 Pack** for **$45**, a **three-month Player 2 Pack** at **$40 per month**, and the **six-month Respawn Pack** for **$35 per month**. This pricing strategy is designed to ensure that gaming remains an affordable and enjoyable activity for all.
Parker’s love for gaming began at the age of five when his father gifted him an original Xbox and a copy of **Halo**. This early experience provided a way for them to bond and helped Parker escape the bullying he faced. “It gave me a mental escape from the issues I had in my day-to-day life,” he shares, noting that gaming has also played a significant role in helping him form friendships.
Beyond providing a safe space for gamers, Parker hopes to dispel misconceptions about gaming as a mere distraction. He emphasizes, “Gaming isn’t some scary, hairy monster. It really is a healthy outlet, especially in a social, interactive, fun environment.” His mission at Nero’s is to educate friends and loved ones of gamers about the positive aspects of the gaming community.
For more information about Nero’s Cyberspace Lounge, including operating hours and upcoming events, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581489682242.
