“This record success testifies to the central role played by Cannes and the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in promoting the cultural and creative industries. By hosting the International Games Festival, we are reaffirming our commitment to making Cannes a stronghold for gaming, innovation and economic development.”
Portrait Jean Michel Arnaud Official Palais“2025 promised to be a great success! Cannes consolidates its position as the capital of board games for enthusiasts and professionals from all over the world. Thanks to all the festival-goers for the joie de vivre conveyed and all the moments of sharing experienced. Long live gaming, long live Cannes!
Cynthia ReberacUnprecedented success: 110,000 admissions
With a 30% increase in attendance over the previous year, the FIJ recorded a total of 110,000 admissions, an all-time record. In bright sunshine, visitors flocked to the indoor areas and the lively outdoor village, with its mix of play areas, themed pavilions and convivial get-togethers.
An edition geared towards professionals
With sales of 587 million euros in 2024 (source: Circana) and over 34 million boxes of games sold in France, the board game industry is experiencing spectacular growth.
This 2025 edition marks a turning point with the introduction of an exclusive pre-opening on Wednesday February 26 and Thursday February 27 at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes.
For four days, the space dedicated to professionals and the press will be the place to meet, exchange ideas and forge new collaborations.
Key figures
- 60,000 m² of exhibition space (+33% vs. 2024)
- 110,000 admissions (+30% on 2024)
- 5,000 professionals
- 1,800 competitors of over 40 nationalities
- 350 entertainment areas
- + 400 game authors
- + 400 qualified journalists and influencers
- 4,000 OFF visitors
The FIJ reinforces its role as a driving force for the gaming industry, and offers industry players an ideal platform for anticipating the future of the gaming market.
A major partnership: SNCF Voyageurs puts the game on the rails
For the first time, SNCFVoyageurs has joined the Festival as an official partner. On the Croisette, a 300 m² immersive space was set up to offer festival-goers a unique play experience, plunging them into the world of rail travel. Seats and tablets inspired by SNCF trains recreated the atmosphere of a train journey, where visitors could play in ideal conditions.
The collaboration also celebrated the 20th anniversary of the As d’Or award won by Les Aventuriers du Rail, with an exclusive exhibition in partnership with Days of Wonder. The experience even began on the trains: on board eight INOUI and four OUIGO TGVs, as well as the TERs of the Sud Azur region, play areas and play books extended the fun on the move.
The 2025 As d’Or-Game of the Year Awards
In a festive atmosphere, France Inter columnist Daniel Morin humorously orchestrated the ceremony live from the Grand Auditorium. Meticulous staging, suspense and emotion punctuated this great celebration of gaming, greeted by an audience of 2,300 who gave a standing ovation to Yohan Goh, one of South Korea’sone of the South Korean authors who won the As d’Or-Jeu de l’Année 2025 with the game Odin, as well as Jérôme and Emilie Soleil, authors of the winning game Opération Noisettes.
The 2025 prize list:
- As d’Or-Game of the Year: Odin
- As d’Or-Game of the Year for Children : Opération Noisettes
- As d’Or-Game of the Year Initiate: Behind
- Golden Ace-Game of the Year Expert: Kutná Hora
This selection highlights the creativity, innovation and universal values of the game, reflecting the mission of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès: “To welcome the world sustainably”.
A date to look forward to in 2026
On the strength of this exceptional 38th edition, the FIJ is already looking forward to welcoming all enthusiasts from February 27 to March 1, 2026 for a new celebration of gaming in all its diversity.
