ARENA_Gaming Kongsvinger, a pilot from the Norwegian partner in ESIRA, was formally established as a non-profit association on 4 May. As a community-driven and non-commercial initiative, ARENA_Gaming represents a clear social economy initiative, aiming to create an inclusive, accessible, and safe arena for gaming and e-sports in the Norwegian Kongsvinger region. The association seeks to offer a new meeting place for young people, gamers, and others interested in digital activities and organized play, with a strong focus on social participation and belonging.

The association’s ambition is to develop a flexible, multi-purpose arena with spaces both with and without PCs, as well as screens for console gaming such as PlayStation and Xbox. In addition to gaming and e-sports, the arena is intended to support a range of other activities, collaboration initiatives, and rental opportunities. Securing suitable premises is currently the main challenge. The board is in dialogue with a property owner regarding potential premises located in the pedestrian street, where some upgrades will be required to ensure universal accessibility.

ARENA_Gaming Kongsvinger is led by a newly appointed board consisting of Aleksander Bern (Chair), Tim Storeide (Deputy Chair), Viktoria Headington, Odd-Olav Hansen, Kai Olav Tønnessen, and Lilli Nordseth (Deputy Member). The board is already exploring collaboration with local actors, including schools, youth initiatives, and the local business community, and is open to partnerships that can strengthen both activities and learning opportunities across sectors.

ARENA_Gaming Kongsvinger is one of the five established pilot initiatives within ESIRA. As a social economy pilot, ARENA_Gaming contributes practical experience and knowledge to the ESIRA project, while inviting parents, youth, gamers, local businesses, and potential partners to take part in shaping a new, inclusive gaming and e-sports arena for the region.