Sim King Gaming

09/03/2026

Help alyssa young raise money to support Meningitis Now

28/02/2026

‼️ IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT ‼️

Please read on for our story..…

Back in 2021, we proudly took over Darlington’s first-ever gaming hub. We refurbished, rebranded, and welcomed SIM KING GAMING to the town! Our aim was simple: to create something special for the local community, a safe space where people of all ages could come together and share their love of gaming. As a family-run business, everything we do has been personal. Providing a welcoming, family-orientated environment and a level of service that truly reflects our values, has always been at the heart of what we do.

Over the last five years, Sim King has been a place full of memories, laughter, competition, and connection. We have...

🎂 Hosted over a thousand parties
🏆 Ran endless gaming tournaments
🎮Hosted local council and charity events
⚽Sponsored sports clubs
🚶‍♀Offered work experience opportunities to young adults
🥇Supported school gaming tournaments
🏫Been involved in a local college's E-Sports programme
AND
🎉Had our first staff member successfully complete a Level 4 Retail Management Apprenticeship with us (again, well done Lewis 👏).

We couldn't be prouder of what we have achieved!

Rewind back to 2022… an idea formed. After offering our gaming services to local Alternative Education Providers, we knew we had to fully embrace the space we had, along with the teaching skills, experience, and expertise of our staff and family. We wanted to provide a service where we could make a meaningful difference to the lives and futures of young people.

What started as an idea grew into a new venture, and in 2023, SKAPE NORTH EAST LTD was officially launched 🎉

Since then, Skape has gone from strength to strength and is now proudly registered as an Alternative Education Provider across multiple AEP frameworks in the North East. The impact it’s having on young people has grown far beyond what we first imagined. The Skape team and the services it offers continue to grow, with exciting new ideas forming behind the scenes!

So, as much as we love Sim King (and always will 🥺), the commitments and responsibility that come with running Skape from the same premises have now reached a point where we simply can’t stretch ourselves any further. To do right by the young people Skape supports, we need to focus all of our time, energy, and passion into this work.

❗After contending with this decision for over a year, we want to let you know that Sim King Gaming will be closing its doors to the general public on 31st March 2026 ❗

Thank you to every single person who has supported us, visited us, gamed with us, and become part of our journey. Sim King Gaming may be closing its doors, but the impact of Skape is only just beginning — and we’re excited for what the future holds.

Sim King Gaming — you have done us proud ❤️🎮🏎️🏁

‼️Please continue to follow our page as it shifts focus to Skape and highlights upcoming opportunities for events and activities during the school holidays‼️

21/02/2026

🎮🔥 FEBRUARY HALF TERM SPECIAL OFFER at Sim King Gaming – Darlington! 🔥🎮

Looking for something fun to keep the kids (or yourself!) entertained this half term? We’ve got you covered at Sim King Gaming!

🎮 2 HOURS of immersive gaming
🌭 Hot dog included
🥤 Drink included
💷 All for just £15!

🗓 Weekdays only
⏰ 11am – 3pm
🚫 Closed Wednesday
📍 Sim King Gaming – Darlington

Whether you're racing your mates or setting a new lap record, it’s the perfect half term treat without breaking the bank!

Spaces will fill fast — book now and and make their half term one to remeber! 🎯

05/02/2026

🌟 SKAPE OPEN EVENT – ALL PARENTS WELCOME! 🌟

Is your child finding mainstream education challenging? At SKAPE, we provide a supportive, nurturing alternative provision designed to help young people rebuild confidence, re-engage with learning, and thrive in a setting that understands their needs.

We’re excited to invite you to our Open Event, a chance for parents and carers to explore what SKAPE has to offer.

📅 Thursday 19th February
⏰ Drop-in anytime between 3:00pm – 5:30pm
📍 SKAPE, 18 King Street, Darlington, DL3 6JH

During the session, you will have the opportunity to:
✔️ Meet our friendly and experienced staff
✔️ Tour our premises and see our learning environment
✔️ View examples of student work
✔️ Discuss your child’s needs and how we can support them
✔️ Explore the resources and approaches we use every day

🍪 Light refreshments will be provided.

Whether you’re seeking additional support for your child or simply curious about what we do, we’d love to meet you. No appointment needed, just drop in!

If you have any questions before the event, feel free to email us at [email protected]

We look forward to welcoming you!

20/12/2025

🎉Congratulations to our competition winner, Harry, who enjoyed his Sim King birthday party today!! 🎉

Happy Birthday Harry, we hope you had an amazing time! 🎂🎮😎

20/12/2025

Morning Gamers! 😎

‼️Please note we will be closed for walk-ins and general bookings over the Christmas Holidays‼️

🎉We are open for party bookings and events from 22nd December - 3rd January.
If you would like to book a party or event, then please get in touch to check availability 🎉

💬Facebook messenger
📧 [email protected]
📞01325 488388

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas 🎄⛄🎁❄️

19/12/2025

We were delighted to welcome therapy dog Woody into school today 🐾
Woody is 10 months old and currently completing his therapy dog training. As part of this, our students have been helping him practise his skills, and they’ve done an amazing job!
It’s been a lovely opportunity for students to support Woody’s training while enjoying the many wellbeing benefits that time with a therapy dog brings. We’re very proud of how calmly and responsibly they took part.

19/12/2025

🎄✨ Merry Christmas from all of the SKAPE team! ✨🎄
After a long Autumn half term, we hope all of our students have a wonderful and well deserved Christmas break. Enjoy the time to rest, recharge, and make special memories with your loved ones.
We look forward to welcoming you back in the New Year!

16/12/2025

13/12/2025

Good morning gamers 😎

‼️Please note we will not be able to accept walk ins today (it’s turned out to be a busy one!)‼️

If you would like to visit, please message us to see what availability is left and we can let you know if we can accommodate 🙂

12/12/2025

Afternoon gamers 😎

‼️Please note we will be closed this evening ‼️

We’re back open tomorrow with our Weekend Special running all the way through to Sunday! Please message or call if you would like to book in ✅

28/11/2025

Weekend ready here at Sim King Gaming 😎

Stuck for ideas this weekend or is it Christmas shopping time???

Don’t drag them around the shops, leave the stress with us for them to happily game away while you shop in peace 🙂

£8 per hour or 2 hours gaming with a meal for £20 🕹️🍔🌭

Walk ins welcome but we advise reserving your seat to avoid disappointment.