They came from all corners of the world, by car, by bus, by train, or by plane to conquer the world of games. “We have about fifty nationalities present at the International Games Festival,” notes Bernard Oheix, event director at the Cannes Festival Palace.
Every year, and for the past 24 years, a true city opens its doors at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes. “At the time, there were very few conferences in winter. There was only MIDEM. We had just created this Palais des Festivals. The city asked the tourism department for an event that would draw people to Cannes. Someone then proposed an event centered around games. A quarter of a century ago, games were not what they are now. We were at the start of the wave,” explains Bernard Oheix. Visionary? “Indeed. The baby boomers were in full swing. Leisure time was opening up, especially with the additional week of vacation. We were transitioning to a 39-hour workweek, then a 35-hour one. Retirees were leaving earlier, in good health. Games established themselves as a very important leisure activity, including in the economic fabric. The International Games Festival is the event that attracts the most overnight stays and significantly boosts the local catering industry,” comments Bernard Oheix.
Some figures? “For example, there are twelve thousand registered players. And out of these twelve thousand registered players, only 2,000 or 3,000 are from the region. 160 exhibitors. 1,000 Scrabble players, of whom 800 come from outside. 300 belote players, 400 bridge players. There are 150,000 visitors. They come to play.”
Especially since the festival entry is free! “Precisely, because it’s free, it brings a lot to the city with overnight stays, dining, hotels… It’s an economically dynamic activity with 24 years of experience. It’s one of the most well-known events in Cannes alongside the Cannes Festival. The Games in winter and Pyrotechnics in summer have similar profiles: free and popular events,” presents Bernard Oheix.
During these five days, the only motto in Cannes was “Come and play!” And play they did! In this fundamental hub of games in France, streets, avenues, and boulevards of games were presented to visitors: there was Wii Street, Manga Avenue, Scrabble and Chess Boulevard, and even Board Games Street… Here, games come from all corners of the world. It’s a must-visit for game enthusiasts and professionals! Not to mention, game addicts play from 10 PM to 4 AM! “Amazing! The game has become a social link between people. Video games, which were very individual at first, are shared today. There are men, women, young people, the older ones… It’s impressive. It’s a Tower of Babel here!” describes Bernard Oheix. Yes, the International Games Festival is a Tower of Babel where “there is a gentleness to life. People are happy, there is no aggressiveness. Everyone coexists” And what we will remember, above all, is: “We can be different and still appreciate and live together,” says Bernard Oheix, event director at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes.
This weekend, the doors of this city closed once again. Its keys will turn for the twenty-fifth time next year. So see you next year! And don’t forget, “Play!”
Website: [Festival International des Jeux de Cannes](https://www.festivaldesjeux-cannes.com/1.aspx)
