Turnstyle Gaming: A Hub for Community and Esports
Wesley Turner, the owner of Turnstyle Gaming, took a leap of faith when he decided to pursue a career in video gaming. His childhood passion faced skepticism from his parents, who were unsure about the prospects of a gaming career. Fast forward two decades, and the gaming industry has transformed into a lucrative field, prompting Turner to open his first gaming lounge four and a half years ago in Hanford.
Growing Turnstyle Gaming
Originally located on Tenth and Fargo avenues, Turnstyle Gaming quickly built a loyal clientele within the local gaming community. This success led to an opportunity to relocate to a newly remodeled Courthouse in downtown Hanford, where Turner hosted a grand reopening on August 6. The move has proven successful, bringing in more foot traffic and boosting the business’s visibility during local events, like the busy Blues and Roots Festival.
Turnstyle now boasts a larger space where gamers can indulge in a variety of experiences, from PC and virtual reality games to classic arcade games. Customers pay nominal fees for gaming time, with flexible hourly and daily rates, while also enjoying casual games without additional costs.
Building a Community Space
Despite initial doubts about opening a communal gaming space in the digital age, Turner believed there was a demand for in-person interactions, especially after the isolation brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. He has since fostered a vibrant community that hosts birthday parties, corporate events, and school field trips, giving participants a unique gaming experience outside the home.
Turnstyle Gaming has also tapped into the esports scene by allowing local gaming groups to organize tournaments, providing space, promotional support, and sponsorship opportunities for prize pools. This initiative aims to elevate esports in the Central Valley, which has seen increased interest, especially with local educational institutions developing their own esports teams.
Inclusivity at the Core
Aiming to create an inclusive environment, Turner emphasizes that gaming is for everyone. He makes it a priority to accommodate diverse groups, including those who are disabled or neurodivergent. His vision is to ensure all customers feel welcomed, regardless of their experience level with video games.
Turnstyle Gaming represents a confluence of gaming passion and community spirit. Turner invites anyone, from seasoned gamers to newcomers, to visit the new location and shares his ultimate goal: “We just want everyone to come here and play games and have a good time.” Through Turnstyle Gaming, Turner is not just running a business; he’s building a vibrant gaming community in Hanford.
