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International Games Festival: Cannes, gaming capital for a successful 39th edition

From 25 February to 1 March 2026, the Cannes International Games Festival (FIJ) confirmed its status as a not-to-be-missed event for over 100,000 fans – once again – of games in all their forms. Organised by the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes, this major games event transformed the Croisette into the world’s games capital for several days, welcoming publishers, authors, illustrators, distributors, media and gamers from all over the world.It welcomed publishers, authors, illustrators, distributors, media and gamers from all over Europe and beyond, with a rich and varied offering ranging from modern board games to role-playing games, collectible card games, traditional games and previews of new releases.

More than 5,800 professionals and 460 accredited journalists and influencers were able to take advantage of the exclusive pre-opening on 25 and 26 February, taking part in meetings, tests and special business appointments before the show opened to the general public.

Buoyed by an exceptional market dynamic – illustrated in particular by the enthusiasm surrounding the Golden Ace Awards – Game of the Year 2026 awarded at a much-anticipated ceremony. The FIJ 2026 once again highlighted the creativity and vitality of the French-speaking and international games ecosystem.

Published on 3 March 2026

KEY FIGURES 2026

60 000 m²

+ Over 100,000 visitors

5,800 professionals

1,800 competitors of over 40 nationalities

350 stands

500 authors

150 illustrators

460 qualified journalists and influencers

4,000 visitors to the OFF

THE AS D'OR-GAME OF THE YEAR 2026 WINNERS
©Toy Battle
©Ile Des Mookies 1
©Zenith Game
©Civolution Game Free Download

    The awards ceremony honoured 3 games to be played as a duo: Toy Battle, L’île des Mookies and Zénith.

    Civolution won the “As d’Or Jeu de l’Année Expert” award, praised by the jury for its audacity.

    What's new?

    An SNCF train carriage at the heart of the festival, featuring an escape game inspired by Les Loups-Garous de Thiercelieux, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the game that won an As d’Or award in 2002.

    1,400 games deposited at La Bours’O Jeux 1,200 games resold and games donated to 3 associations, a responsible initiative that yielded some great finds.

    Nearly 900 festival-goers enjoyed the unique experience of the Magic Mirrors, a great sensory and emotional adventure.

    The Explore Cannes digital treasure hunt gave nearly 1,000 visitors the chance to collect souvenirs and gifts.

    ©Escape Train Cpalais Des Festivals Et Des Congres Cannes
    ©Magic Mirrors C Palais Des Festivals Et Des Congres Cannes
    ©Villagefij Cpalais Des Festivals Et Des Congres Cannes
    ©Terrace Cpalais Des Festivals Et Des Congres Cannes
    ©Players 2 Cmartin Labbe Palais Des Festivals Et Des Congres Cannes
    ©Children's games Cpalais Des Festivals Et Des Congres Cannes

      See you in 2027 for the 40th edition

      After the success of the 39th edition, the FIJ is getting ready for its anniversary edition, which will be full of surprises and new features from 26 to 28 February 2027.

      In the meantime, stay in the game: there’s plenty more action to come!

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