From February 23 to 25, the world of gaming set up in Cannes on 30,000 sqm in the heart of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès.
Over 100,000 visitors were counted for the largest gaming event in the Francophone market. “Party games,” traditional or more strategic games, word games, knowledge games, simulation games, video games, construction games, creative hobbies, and life-size escape games.
For the pleasure of adults, but also children.
The 32nd Cannes Games Festival opened to the public this Saturday at 10 a.m., under driving rain. A festival of over 30,000 sqm, with over 3,000 publishers, authors, illustrators, shops, game libraries, manufacturers… as well as 300 exhibitors.
Most of the expected attendees are regular festival-goers (44%) compared to only 35% new participants and 21% occasional visitors. Most are adults (41%) or young adults (35%).
Visitors spend an average budget of 68 euros on purchasing board games.
The International Games Festival in Cannes generates a real economy for the city. In 2016, the FIJ brought in no less than 3.5 million euros in economic impact from accommodation, dining, parking…
Gaming in France is a tradition with players of Belote, Chess, Scrabble®… the International Games Festival invites them to participate in introductions and demonstrations offered by Chess, Scrabble, Shogi, Awalé, Othello® federations and associations… and compete against the greatest champions in the world.
More than ever, the Games Festival is “international” and hosts exhibitors and visitors from around the world who come to share their passion in “the country of games.”
France can take pride in having become, over a few years, the spearhead of the gaming world and having contributed significantly to the small revolution that the sector is currently experiencing.
French success is often talked about in export when it comes to wine, luxury products, or aeronautics: the Festival, rich in gaming creation, also proves that board games can now be added to this success story.
The so-called French Touch is now being discussed. French authors are being exported, the graphic culture and dynamism of our publishers contribute to making games a mass-market product.
For 32 years, the Festival has managed to establish itself by closely following sector developments, adapting to changes, anticipating and provoking them. A unique event that allows the public to discover all the latest innovations, trends, and find bestsellers.
Professionals also meet to exchange during the festival’s professional days.
The FIJ is an essential event for board game publishers! It is the French show that brings together the most players from all backgrounds.
So it’s an important moment to meet our public and present our published games, but especially new releases. The FIJ is also the place where we take the time to meet our partners: spaces are specially dedicated to professionals – asserts Régis Bonnessée, LIBELLUD.
Time for the festival-goers to prepare the showroom for new releases and premieres. The night continued until 4 a.m. with Proto Night.
This Sunday, the show will reopen its doors at 10 a.m. for its final day. The day will start with a proto Lib until 4 p.m. before the final showroom.
The festival will then close its doors with a final success.
