Major European Gaming Events Kicks Off in 2026: Highlights of Paris Game Biz, Paris Games Week and First Playable

A host of influential gaming events are set to take place across Europe in mid and late 2026. Paris will host two distinctive gaming gatherings successively: the 3rd edition of Paris Game Biz and the 15th edition of Paris Games Week. Meanwhile, Italy’s premier gaming business event First Playable 2026 concluded successfully in Florence in early June. These three events focus on business cooperation, public entertainment and industry exchanges respectively, forming a complementary ecosystem. As vital platforms for the European gaming industry to showcase achievements, connect global resources and boost market vitality, they have attracted developers, publishers, investors and gaming enthusiasts worldwide.

1. Paris Game Biz 2026: Premium B2B Business Summit Focusing on High-Quality Projects

Hosted by Capital Games, the gaming cluster of the Paris region, the 3rd Paris Game Biz will be held at the brand-new venue Espace Cléry in Paris, France, from October 20 to 21, 2026. Positioned as an exclusive high-end B2B event, it is dedicated to building efficient communication bridges between high-caliber game studios, global publishers and investment institutions, enjoying a solid reputation across the European gaming circle.

The 2025 edition gathered 70 domestic and international studios along with 35 professional buyers, facilitating a total of 515 one-on-one business meetings and achieving a 90% satisfaction rate among participants, which fully proves its professionalism and practical value. The 2026 event has been further upgraded. The organizer aims to invite 100 outstanding studios and 50 global buyers to expand its industry influence.

To maximize cooperation efficiency, the event retains its core advantages. Organizers will collect the business guidelines and demands of publishers and investors in advance, and conduct targeted matching based on the project types and development plans of studios, helping both sides reach cooperation intentions efficiently. All participating buyers are strictly selected, including leading publishers and renowned investment institutions with global operational capabilities. World-famous companies such as Tencent, Raw Fury, Focus Entertainment and Team17 have confirmed their attendance. Featuring an exquisite and intimate atmosphere instead of large-scale exhibition booths, the event prioritizes in-depth negotiations in small groups, enabling participants to explore long-term partnership opportunities through immersive communications.

Registration is now open for studios, publishers and investment organizations. Barrier-free access is also available upon request. Industry practitioners can send emails to parisgamebiz@capital-games.org for inquiries and reservation.

2. Paris Games Week 2026: Europe’s Top Gaming Carnival for All Enthusiasts

Following Paris Game Biz, the 15th Paris Games Week, one of Europe’s largest comprehensive gaming expos, will be staged at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from October 22 to 25, 2026. Organized by SELL, this event caters to both industry professionals and general gamers, integrating new game showcases, esports tournaments, cultural experiences and industry seminars, and serving as the highlight of Paris’ gaming celebrations in October.

The exhibition covers a full range of categories including console games, PC games, mobile games, immersive technologies and retro games. It also features themed zones such as French original game showcases, family interactive areas and esports arenas, where the iconic Esports World Cup will be held. According to official forecasts, more than 300 exhibitors will attend the 2026 show, and the total visitor volume is expected to exceed 316,000, maintaining its leading popularity among European gaming expos.

Apart from game trials and tournaments, the event will host developer forums, industry sharing sessions and creator meetups. Nominations for the PocketGamer Mobile Games Awards are also underway, with the deadline set on June 29, 2026. Global top-tier game companies, indie studios, live streamers, marketing specialists and gaming students can all engage in communications here and immerse themselves in the vibrant gaming culture.

3. First Playable 2026 in Italy: A Key Mid-Year Business Event Concluded in Florence

The 8th edition of Italy’s flagship gaming business event First Playable 2026 was successfully held in Florence from June 10 to 12, 2026. Organized by IIDEA, all guest speakers and event schedules have been finalized. Centering on game project incubation, industry trend analysis and business negotiation, this event deeply explores the Southern European gaming market. Together with the two major Paris events, it improves the layout of European gaming exhibitions.

4. Event Summary & Participation Recommendations

The three European gaming events feature clear positioning and complementary advantages. Paris Game Biz specializes in high-end and targeted B2B cooperation, making it the ideal choice for game studios, independent teams and business executives seeking financing, publishing and overseas partnerships. Paris Games Week balances professional exchanges and public entertainment. It is a premium platform for manufacturers to build brand influence, launch new titles and connect with end players, and also a great destination for gaming fans to experience the latest games offline. Rooted in the Southern European market, First Playable is a must-attend platform for practitioners expanding business in Italy and surrounding regions.

As the European gaming industry undergoes structural adjustment and steady recovery in 2026, these events act as crucial windows for product display and business negotiation, as well as hubs to observe industry trends and connect global partners. For global gaming practitioners, arranging schedules properly and participating in targeted events will help seize opportunities in the European market and expand international cooperation networks.

By:Jiasong Gong/CGGE