Play Sorbonne Festival 2026: Your Guide to the 10th Edition of Independent Game Celebration in Paris
The Play Sorbonne Festival is back for its 10th edition, transforming Sorbonne University’s Jussieu campus into a vibrant hub for independent games. Scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10 AM to 7 PM, this free and open-to-all event is a must-attend for gamers, developers, and families alike. With 150 exhibitors, a sprawling 14,000 m² venue, and an expected 15,000 visitors, this anniversary edition promises an unforgettable experience.
What to Expect at Play Sorbonne Festival 2026?
The festival offers a comprehensive program designed to engage and entertain. Here’s a breakdown of what you can look forward to:
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Location: Sorbonne Université, 4 place Jussieu, 75000 Paris
- Admission: Free for all visitors and exhibitors
- Expected Attendance: 15,000 visitors
- Exhibitors: 150 (independent video game developers, board game creators, associations)
Key Attractions:
- Expanded Tournaments: Compete or watch in popular titles such as Smash Ultimate, Mario Kart, TFT, Osu!, and Tetri.IO. Approximately 500 participants are expected to battle it out for glory.
- Live Role-Playing Game (RPG) on Stage: An immersive RPG session will be held in the auditorium, featuring renowned guests including Mister MV, FibreTigre, Le SadPanda, Pressea, and Angle Droit.
- Conferences by Industry Professionals: Gain insights from experts in the gaming sector. The full conference schedule will be announced soon.
- New Exhibitions:
- “Informatissage”: Explore the fascinating connection between textile techniques and computer imagery, from the Jacquard loom to pixel art.
- “Why Video Games Captivate Us?”: Delve into the cognitive mechanisms and game design principles that make video games so engaging, offering an analytical perspective on intuitive play.
- Interactive Treasure Hunt: Discover the festival in a unique way with an all-new treasure hunt designed to guide you through the various attractions.
A Decade of Independent Gaming Excellence
The Play Sorbonne Festival, born from a student initiative by the Play Sorbonne Université association, has grown significantly over the past decade. From just 150 attendees in its early days, it now consistently attracts over 10,000 visitors, with 10,500 in 2024 and 11,200 in 2025. This growth solidifies its position as one of France’s most popular independent game festivals.
What sets this festival apart is its commitment to being free and independent. There are no on-site sales or pay-to-win games. Exhibitors showcase their creations without commercial pressure, fostering an environment of creativity and collaboration. Only free-priced goodies and meals capped at €5 are offered, emphasizing accessibility over profit. As Perrine Poitiers, co-founder of the festival, states, “What we wanted was to create an ecosystem that revolves around creativity and independent developers.”
Success Stories and Testimonials
The festival has been a launchpad for many talented developers. Former exhibitors like Doc Geraud (Sol Cesto, 200,000 sales) and Last Moon (over 50,000 wishlists) made their debut at Play Sorbonne. This demonstrates the event’s tangible impact on the independent development ecosystem. Author and screenwriter FibreTigre, a long-time supporter, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the festival: “It’s an opportunity for all of us to meet. We have a lot of creative freedom, so for me, this type of event is pure gold.”
Practical Information for Your Visit
To make your visit as smooth as possible, here’s essential information:
Location and Access:
The festival is held at Sorbonne Université, 4 place Jussieu, 75000 Paris. The campus is easily accessible via public transport.
Contact Information:
For any inquiries, you can reach the organizers at: [email protected]
Cost:
The Play Sorbonne Festival is completely free for both exhibitors and visitors. This ensures that everyone, from families and students to professionals and geek culture enthusiasts, can enjoy the entire program without any financial barriers.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of independent games, connect with creators, and celebrate a decade of innovation at the Play Sorbonne Festival 2026!
