Play Sorbonne Festival 2026: Your Essential Guide to Independent Gaming in Paris
The Play Sorbonne Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary by taking over the Sorbonne Université campus at Jussieu on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10 AM to 7 PM. This free and open-to-all event is a must-attend for gaming enthusiasts, bringing together 150 exhibitors across 14,000 m² to showcase independent video games, board games, tournaments, conferences, and unique exhibitions. An estimated 15,000 visitors are expected for this milestone edition.
Event Details and Location
The festival will be held at the iconic Sorbonne Université, 4 place Jussieu, Paris. This central location offers ample space to accommodate the growing number of attendees and exhibitors, a significant leap from its humble beginnings with only 150 people in a community hall in Colombes.
What to Expect at the 10th Edition
The Play Sorbonne Festival, born from a student initiative by the Play Sorbonne Université association, has become a major event in the independent gaming scene in France. Following successful editions with 10,500 visitors in 2024 and 11,200 in 2025, the 2026 festival aims even higher. Its distinguishing feature remains its commitment to being free and independent, with no on-site sales or ‘pay-to-win’ games. Exhibitors present their creations without commercial pressure, fostering an ecosystem centered around creativity and independent developers.
Key Highlights and Program
This XXL edition promises a packed program for all ages and interests:
- 150 Exhibitors: Featuring independent video games, board game creators, and associations.
- Expanded Tournaments: Including Smash Ultimate, Mario Kart, TFT, Osu!, and Tetri.IO, with approximately 500 participants anticipated.
- Live Role-Playing Game: Held in the auditorium with special guests such as Mister MV, FibreTigre, Le SadPanda, Pressea, and Angle Droit.
- Conferences: Led by industry professionals (program to be announced).
- New Treasure Hunt: An innovative way to explore the festival grounds.
New Exhibitions for the Anniversary
Two new exhibitions will debut at this year’s festival:
- “Informatissage”: Explores the connections between textile techniques and computer imagery, from the Jacquard loom to pixel art.
- “Why Video Games Captivate Us?”: Delves into the cognitive mechanisms and game design principles behind our gaming habits, offering an analytical perspective on an often intuitive medium.
Success Stories and Testimonials
The festival has been a launching pad for many talented developers, including Doc Geraud (Sol Cesto, 200,000 sales) and Last Moon (over 50,000 wishlists). Author and screenwriter FibreTigre, a long-time supporter, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the event: “It’s an opportunity for all of us to meet. We have a lot of creative freedom, so for me, this type of show is caviar.”
Admission and Contact Information
The Play Sorbonne Festival is completely free of charge for both exhibitors and visitors. Families, students, professionals, and geek culture enthusiasts can enjoy the entire program without any cost.
- Location: Sorbonne Université, 4 place Jussieu, 75000 Paris
- Contacts: [email protected]
- Dates and Times: Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10 AM to 7 PM
- Admission: Free
How to Get There
The Sorbonne Université, Jussieu campus, is easily accessible by public transport in Paris. We recommend using the metro or bus to reach the venue.
Plan Your Visit
With 150 exhibitors and a diverse program, planning your visit in advance is recommended. Check the official website closer to the date for the full conference schedule and tournament details.
Beyond the Festival: Other Activities in Paris
While in Paris for the festival, consider exploring other attractions:
- Aquaboulevard: A tropical aquatic park.
- Shey Yun, the enchanting journey: A dance performance at Le Palais des Congrès de Paris (January 23, 2027 – May 9, 2027).
- TOCA Social: Play, watch, and connect over football at Westfield CNIT – Puteaux (August 22, 2026 – September 7, 2026).
- Mysteries of Montmartre: A scavenger hunt through pubs and cafes (in English) near Notre-Dame-de-Lorette (August 22, 2026 – September 29, 2026).
- Prison Island: France’s number one action game in Émerainville (August 22, 2026 – December 27, 2026).
- Louvre Museum Guided Tours for Children: Explore major artworks, Egypt, and Mesopotamia (various dates in August and September 2026).
- Outdoor Exploration Games: Discover “The Lost Gold of Paris,” “Mysterious Paris: The Order of the Knights Templar,” “The Mysterious Note” in Marais, and “Coco Chanel” in Paris (various dates).
- La Cité Immersive des Fables: An immersive cultural experience in Paris (until December 31, 2026).
Source: https://www.jds.fr/paris/activite-experience/jeux/play-sorbonne-festival-la-fete-du-jeu-independant-a-paris-1700215_A
