First Playable 2026. Preparations are underway for the new edition of the video game business event, which is scheduled to take place from 10-12 June in Florence
Florence, 11 March 2026 – The curtain rises on the eighth edition of Italy’s leading business event dedicated to the video game industry, First Playable 2026. From 10 to 12 June, the city of Florence will once again open its doors to developers, publishers, and investors. Organised by IIDEA and Toscana Film Commission – Fondazione Sistema Toscana, with the support of the Region of Tuscany and the Italian Trade Agency, the event is held in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
This three-day event will bring together Italian and international industry professionals from around the world. It will take place at Cinema La Compagnia, known as the Home of Cinema in Tuscany, and at the Florence Fiera conference centre, Palazzo degli Affari, which is just a short walk from Santa Maria Novella station. On 10 and 11 June, Cinema La Compagnia will host the First Playable opening conference and the Italian Video Game Awards ceremony. Palazzo degli Affari, on the other hand, will host business meetings, technical workshops and networking activities on 11 and 12 June.
Italian Video Game Awards 2026: How to Apply
From today until 10 April, applications can be submitted for the award categories of the new Italian Video Game Awards 2026 edition via a form on the event website. The awards are organised by IIDEA to celebrate excellence within the Italian video game industry.
An international jury of industry experts will evaluate candidates in the following categories: Best Italian Game, which recognises the best Italian video game; Best Italian Debut Game, which recognises the best first title by an Italian studio; Outstanding Art, which celebrates the game with the most outstanding artistic direction; Outstanding Experience, which celebrates the most engaging and original gaming experience; and Outstanding Audio, a new award for this edition which recognises the quality and care of a game’s sound design and soundtrack. The Community Spotlight Award, which recognises the best Italian video game as voted for by the developer community, will now be selected by the Italian industry itself. This will be represented by development studios that are members of IIDEA.
First Playable: How to Participate
Two types of ticket are available for First Playable 2026, which can be purchased from today on the event’s Eventbrite page. “Developer Full Access” and “Developer Social Access” tickets are reserved for companies, teams and professionals involved in video game development and based in Italy.
Other industry professionals interested in attending First Playable, such as international operators, service providers, sponsors and partners, can contact IIDEA via the details on the event website to receive a bespoke ticket proposal.
The Developer Full Access and Developer Social Access tickets include entry to the event on 11 June, including the Italian Video Game Awards ceremony and subsequent party at Cinema La Compagnia, as well as access to the Networking Area at Palazzo degli Affari. To access the meeting area and schedule meetings with international companies through the Meet to Match matchmaking platform, you must purchase a Developer Full Access ticket.
This edition of First Playable will offer participants the chance to explore the extensive selection of complimentary courses and workshops organised by Toscana Film Commission at the Manifatture Digitali Cinema facilities in Prato and Pistoia. These courses are funded through the Regional Programme of the European Social Fund Plus 2021–2027. These courses allow participants to specialise in various audiovisual professions, such as costume design, editing, post-production, animation and content creation. Further details can be found on the official Manifatture website.
To stay updated on the content of the eighth edition of First Playable, visit the event’s official website: www.firstplayable.it