A new gaming hub has opened its doors in Oroville, California, bringing back the essence of social gaming. Jesse Parker, a 28-year-old entrepreneur, has launched Nero’s Cyberspace Lounge, a facility aimed at uniting gamers aged 18 and older in a welcoming environment. The lounge officially opened on October 30, 2025, and offers a diverse array of gaming options alongside a collection of anime and cult-classic films.
Parker’s journey to this point is deeply personal. Once labeled the “skinny nerdy kid” and bullied during his school years due to being on the autism spectrum and facing challenges with ADHD, he now embraces his identity as a gamer and anime enthusiast. He hopes to create a space where others can feel safe and included. “Nero’s is a space to mainly encourage the social aspect of gaming,” Parker stated, reflecting on how the gaming landscape shifted towards online play around 2013. His goal is to revive the communal atmosphere that arcades once provided.
The concept for Nero’s had been brewing in Parker’s mind for years. He longed for a venue where he could enjoy gaming in proximity to others, share conversations, and relax over drinks. After considerable effort, he found a suitable location at 1440 Myers St., thanks to the support of local businessman Brian Wong, who owns the building.
Transforming the space required significant work. Parker and his team painted, installed a large projection screen, and added televisions along with comfortable seating. The lounge features an extensive library of games and consoles, including the original Xbox, Atari 2600, and an emulator with over 620 retro games. Plans are also in place to incorporate a PlayStation 4, and guests are encouraged to bring their own consoles to connect to the lounge’s TVs.
Nero’s Cyberspace Lounge is designed to be an alcohol-free social club that prioritizes affordability. The lounge operates from Thursday to Monday, offering a single-day pass for unlimited play at a price of $20. Membership options include the one-month Player 1 Pack for $45, the three-month Player 2 Pack at $40 per month, and the six-month Respawn Pack for $35 per month.
Parker’s love for gaming began at age five when his father gifted him an original Xbox and a copy of “Halo.” This early introduction provided a much-needed escape from the bullying he faced, eventually helping him forge friendships with those who shared similar interests. “It gave me a mental escape from the issues I had — the bullying — in my day-to-day life,” he shared.
In addition to being a recreational space, Parker hopes Nero’s will serve an educational purpose. He aims to challenge the misconceptions surrounding gaming, especially among the friends and family of gamers who may view it as a distraction or unhealthy obsession. “Gaming isn’t some scary, hairy monster,” he emphasized. “It really is a healthy outlet, especially in a social, interactive, fun environment.”
For more details on Nero’s Cyberspace Lounge, including hours and special events, visit their Facebook page. Jesse Parker’s venture not only represents the resurgence of local gaming communities but also highlights the importance of creating inclusive spaces for all enthusiasts.
