Rockland Entrepreneur Opens E-Gaming Lounge At Palisades Center

WEST NYACK, NY — A Rockland entrepreneur has opened Good Game Lounge, a location for gaming, streaming, and tournaments as well as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs, at the Palisades Center.

Good Game Lounge was founded by resident Malik Adjoyi.

"Gamers in this area are lacking a place to level up their skills, meet friends and get involved in esports," he said in an announcement. "Good Game Lounge at Palisades Center is that place and more."

Esports, a form of sport competition using video games, has grown rapidly over recent years and increased the demand for gaming lounges, environments where novice to professional gamers can socialize, practice and participate in gaming tournaments. According to a recent article published by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the esports industry market surpassed $1 billion for the first time in 2019.

Adjoyi plans to also use Good Game Lounge as a platform to teach, launch and promote indie game developers into the market. Hundreds of developers have lost their jobs during the pandemic, he said, and Good Game Lounge aspires to assist current and future developers with job searches and employable skill training programs.

"Good Game Lounge adds to the fabric of Rockland’s varied sports and recreation ecosystem," said Jeremy Schulman, Rockland County’s Director of Economic Development and Tourism. "We congratulate Malik Adjoyi for his innovative vision of bringing competitive video gaming to the Palisades Center, which demonstrates how entrepreneurship is leading Rockland on the road to recovery. As the way we live, work and especially play has dramatically changed, the Palisades Center is the perfect place to capitalize on the rise of esports with its diversified entertainment offerings."

Good Game Lounge guests will be able to compete in challenges for chances to score access to FightNite Invitational Tournaments that are hosted at various locations around the world.

"I am delighted to welcome "Gaming Lounge" to the Palisades Center and the Town of Clarkstown," said Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann. "Gaming Lounge offers residents and visitors of our area another great entertainment option at the Palisades Center to have some fun with family and friends. On behalf of the Town, we wish you much success."

Adjoyi hopes this is just his business's first location.

"Good Game Lounge offers gamers a place to be themselves while enjoying some friendly competition," said Darrin Houseman, General Manager of Palisades Center. "It’s so important during this time to find ways to socially connect while staying safe. We wish Mr. Adjoyi the best of luck."

A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday in front of Game Lounge on Level One next to Sephora.