Roses is a town of around 20,000 people located on the coast. The day after our arrival, my travel companion Tom and I are standing in front of the municipal multipurpose hall. A large banner announces the event – admission is free. Inside, the hall is divided into several areas: a LAN party in the back third, sales stands, manga artists, a stage programme, a small arcade area and an area for retro games.

There we meet Ivan from the ‘Club Arcade Rally Sud’ in nearby Figueres. He greets us warmly, speaks English fluently and gives us a first insight into the local scene. Carlos, with whom I have been corresponding for months, joins us later. He is the initiator of the ‘European Pixel League’, a project that aims to connect retro gaming associations across Europe.

The event itself came about a few years ago through the commitment of several local associations. Such an event is not a matter of course in this rural region. Ivan tells us that gaming and cosplay do not enjoy the same status in Spain as they do in Germany, for example. Many people still look down on them. Nevertheless, the community is growing slowly but steadily.

As we talk, young people are dancing to K-Pop on the small stage, while parents film the event with their smartphones. ‘It's a family event,’ explains Ivan. And you can feel that. The atmosphere is open, relaxed and unagitated. Many people know each other. The association hopes to be able to expand the event next year – perhaps even to a second hall. The municipality supports the project and provides the premises. It wasn't easy, says Carlos. A lot of convincing was needed.

It is noticeable that there are hardly any creators documenting the event. Two or three media representatives are shooting short clips, but we stand out with our camera equipment. The scene is not as present here as in other regions of Europe. And yet there is plenty to show: homemade arcade machines, hand-drawn mangas, lovingly designed cosplay costumes. We come across a faithful reproduction of R2-D2 rolling through the hall, a Chewbacca cosplayer with an impressive presence, and several pinball machines that are in constant use.

At the Roses Tecnològic stand, we see some of the arcade machines in action. The devices are part of a charitable project that was realised together with a local school. The students built their own casings out of wood – an approach that combines technology and creativity.

A club house thanks to the community

The next day, we take a detour to the clubhouse of the ‘Club Arcade Rally Sud’ in Figueres. The club has been provided with a small room by the city – spartan but functional. There are several consoles, a Carrera race track and posters on the walls. Carlos and his fellow gamers meet here regularly to play together.

In conversation, Carlos explains the idea of the ‘European Pixel League’. The plan is to hold local retro gaming competitions all over Europe, with the winners going on to compete against each other internationally. The first partner clubs from France and Germany are already on board, with the final set to take place at the Toy Museum in Figueres. Here, too, the club worked with the city council – another step that took commitment.

After our visit to the club house, we all sit down in a small Catalan restaurant. Over paella and crema catalana, we learn more about the people behind the association. Many invest a lot of time in their passion – voluntarily, out of conviction. Carlos is an avowed Star Wars fan, his eyes light up when I show him pictures of the ‘Stars of the Galaxy’ museum in Mönchengladbach. A return visit is quickly arranged.

In the afternoon, we are drawn back to the event in Roses. This time we leave the camera equipment in the apartment. We enjoy the event as visitors – relaxed, without a shooting schedule. Many of the participants remember us from the previous day and seek out the conversation again. We play a few rounds on the pinball machines, try our luck at ‘Alex the Kidd’ and take a few memorabilia from the merchandise stand.

As evening approaches, the hall empties, the stands are dismantled, and the LAN participants retire for the night. We say goodbye to our hosts with the promise to return next year. On the flight back to Germany, we realise that this weekend was more than just a visit to an event. It was a personal exchange with a small but dedicated community – and the beginning of a real friendship.

We've not only brought back fond memories, but also new ideas. The first online club duel is already in the works – Bomberman included. We are eagerly anticipating the next reunion.