Gamer Jesse Parker Launches Nero’s Cyberspace Lounge in Oroville

Jesse Parker, a 28-year-old entrepreneur and gaming enthusiast, has opened the doors to his new business, Nero’s Cyberspace Lounge, in downtown Oroville, California. The lounge, which officially opened on October 30, 2025, aims to create a welcoming environment for gamers aged 18 and older, particularly those who share an interest in gaming and Japanese animation.

Parker, who identifies as a gamer and an anime nerd, reflects on his journey from being bullied in school due to his autism and ADHD to becoming a business owner. “It feels good,” he says, emphasizing his desire to foster a space where individuals can connect over their shared interests.

Reviving the Social Aspect of Gaming

Parker notes that gaming has evolved significantly since its early days in arcades, where social interaction was a central aspect. “When gaming first became popular, it was in arcades in a social environment for kids and young adults to come together,” he explains. “That really started to change around 2013 when gaming became increasingly focused as an online activity.” His vision for Nero’s is to bring back that social element and encourage face-to-face interactions amongst gamers.

Finding the right location for his lounge took time, but with support from his parents and local businessman Brian Wong, who owns the building at 1440 Myers St., Parker secured a space in what he describes as a “mini mall.” After extensive renovations, including the installation of a large projection screen, televisions, and comfortable seating, the lounge offers a diverse library of games and gaming consoles. Visitors can enjoy classic systems like the Xbox 360 and Atari 2600, alongside an emulator featuring over 600 retro games, as well as a selection of anime and cult-classic films.

Parker aims to enhance the lounge’s offerings by adding a PlayStation 4 and encouraging gamers who own other consoles, such as the Nintendo Switch, to bring them along to connect with others.

Affordable Gaming Experience

To ensure accessibility for all gamers, Nero’s Cyberspace Lounge provides a single-day pass for $20, allowing unlimited play. Additionally, various membership options are available, including the one-month Player 1 Pack for $45, the three-month Player 2 Pack for $40 per month, and the six-month Respawn Pack for $35 per month.

Parker’s passion for gaming began at the age of five when he received his first Xbox and a copy of “Halo” from his father. This introduction not only provided a bonding experience but also served as an escape from the bullying he faced during his formative years. “It gave me a mental escape from the issues I had,” he explains, highlighting how gaming helped him forge connections with others.

Beyond providing a safe and engaging space for gamers, Parker hopes to educate others about the benefits of gaming. He emphasizes that gaming is not merely a distraction or obsession, but rather a healthy outlet, especially when experienced in a social context. “Gaming isn’t some scary, hairy monster,” he asserts. “It really is a healthy outlet, especially in a social, interactive, fun environment.”

For more information about Nero’s Cyberspace Lounge, including hours of operation and upcoming events, visit their Facebook page.

Reach out to Kyra Gottesman at [email protected] for further inquiries.