A new video game hub hopes to foster community connection near Tennessee Tech by providing an affordable, family-friendly space for residents to gather and interact.
Zoned Out Gaming Lounge Owner Emisha Gay said the facility located on Gainesboro Road features a variety of entertainment options from modern video game consoles and retro arcade machines to traditional games like pool and basketball. As video games becomes mostly an at-home experience Gay said the business focuses on creating a nostalgic yet modern environment.
“Several of the games that we have, people have either loaded them on their systems at home or they already have them,” Gay said. “But being able to go somewhere that’s outside of your home brings a different experience because there’s other things also to do.”
Gay said the idea for the lounge originated as a way to bring people back together following the isolation of the pandemic. While some enjoy the solitude of gaming alone in their room, Gay said the togetherness brings out a considerable level joy and laughter.
“It’s very important to have community,” Gay said. “So obviously when we started in 2023, the idea was to have something that brought people out that was affordable, that was fun, but something that everyone could do.”
The lounge offers a mix of technology and screen-free options, including velcro axes, cornhole, and basketball hoops. Gay said the inclusion of physical activities is intentional for parents who may want to limit their children’s screen time while still enjoying a night out.
“I think just being able to be together is a big thing, especially in this community,” Gay said.
Gay said the business currently focuses primarily on hosting private parties where guests bring their own food and decor, though she occasionally hosts open-to-the-public events. During these public sessions, the lounge charges a flat rate of $5 for two hours of play.
“It’s the laughter, the deep belly laughs, the competition that comes out in some of the kids is funny, the competition that comes out in the adults when they’re playing,” Gay said. “And just the vibe of, you know, adults and kids interacting in the same space and everyone’s laughing or having a good time.”
While The Gaming Lounge does not serve alcohol, Gay said she hopes to eventually expand the lounge’s offerings to include simple concessions like hot dogs and popcorn.
“I definitely have tried to keep the price low to where it’s something that motivates people to want to come and find out who we are and what we’re about and have a good time,” Gay said.