The International Games Festival of Cannes puts the culture and heritage of the game world in the spotlight by showcasing the work of the industry’s various talents. Like each year, this commitment can be seen in the curating of different exhibitions that immerse the attendees into the process of creating a game from start to finish. Our exhibitions include themes such as the process of conceptualizing a game to publishing it; the key role of the illustrators in bringing a universe to life; looking back on successful games - from their sources to their inspirations and intentions – as well as discovering game traditions from other times and continents, to name but a few.
Our exhibitions appeal to a large public that is invited to discover the original and diverse career paths of the authors, publishers and illustrators whose creativity is being celebrated.
These exhibitions are also turned into gaming areas where visitors become players and can take part in fun adventures to further immerse themselves in the spirit of the Festival.
Exhibitions of 2026 are coming soon !
It was in February 2015 in Cannes that the “Les Poilus” game was revealed to the public !
To mark the anniversary of this exhibition, we're bringing you a refreshed and updated version. It details not only the origins of the game, but also its development over the past 10 years. It also provides a few keys to a better understanding and grasp of the essence of the game.
Designed by Fabien Riffaud and Juan Rodriguez, this cooperative game is atypical in several respects: its treatment of a painful period in history, the importance given to individuals and their choices, its approach to the Great War and, of course, the drama that accompanied its release. Indeed, it was magnificently illustrated by Tignous, and finalized by him just days before the “Charlie-Hebdo” attack that took his life. Despite this tragedy, the release of the game has been maintained with the agreement of Chloé, his widow.
Published by Sweet November, then taken over in 2018 by CMON, which publishes many hits including Zombicide. A new version called “Armistice” then enriched the initial proposal with a Legacy-style campaign and splendid pre-painted figurines sculpted after the characters created by Tignous.
Thank you to the public who, over the last ten years, have sent us emotions that go far beyond a simple card game.
The world of trains and railroads is increasingly present in board games, from the simplest (children's games, card games and even dice games) to the most complex (expert board games).
The exhibition illustrates these different aspects and their evolution.
