[Event news] SAGA Barcelona Game Fest 2026 Unveils International Programme with Japan as Guest Country

This is a press release posted alongside our usual editorial content.

SAGA Barcelona Game Fest has unveiled its international programme, expanded cultural offering and new visual identity for its first edition under their new banner, designed by Conrad Roset (Creative Director of Nomada Studio, creators of GRIS and Neva)

that references games from different eras and genres. This year’s event will be taking place from 9 to 11 October 2026, and have Japan as guest country, with acclaimed composers Miki Higashino, known for her work on the Suikoden series, and Manami Matsumae, the original composer of Mega Man and a contributor to numerous Capcom titles, among the first international guests confirmed.

The third guest announced is Géraud Zucchini, French designer and developer, also known as Doc Geraud. He worked at Ubisoft in the areas of user research and game design, participating in the Assassin’s Creed series, and games such as Mario + Rabbids and Starlink. His first title, Un Pas Fragile, won the Pégase 2020 for best first video game, followed by Buissons and Larcin Lazer. Sol Cesto, created together with Chariospirale, exceeded 100,000 copies in the first four days after launch, and was nominated at the Pégases 2026 for

best independent game in the best design category. Its original probability manipulation system, its visual identity and its international success both in sales and among critics and players, make it one of the most relevant indie hits of 2026.

The programme will also welcome industry delegations from Japan and Portugal and strengthen ties with Asia through a new collaboration with ChinaJoy. As an early result of the partnership, the leading Asian video game trade show is currently exhibiting five games selected by SAGA Barcelona Game Fest. In Barcelona, the festival’s new home at Fira de Barcelona’s Montjuïc venue will span more than 14,000 m², with close to 500 playable stations and more than 80 programmed activities.

The event is expected to welcome more than 20,000 visitors and aims to establish Barcelona as a leading meeting point for the video game community in Southern Europe. It brings together players, creators, studios, publishers, investors, educators and other industry professionals in a single programme.

“SAGA Barcelona Game Fest is taking a major step forward. This new space allows us to grow, introduce new formats and turn the festival into a meeting point for the entire video game community.” – Raquel Torreño, SAGA Barcelona Game Fest representative

Games, culture and experiences for every audience

Visitors will be able to explore classic and contemporary games, virtual reality, simulation and sports experiences, alongside conferences, workshops, competitions and live shows. A new family area will give children, young people and adults a dedicated place to discover and enjoy games together.

The cultural programme will include the Video Game Museum of Catalonia (MUVIC), with a journey through video game history and guided tours throughout the weekend; the Famicase Collection from Tokyo, featuring 250 artist-designed cartridges; the experimental Glitch Collection; and the IndieDevDay Awards, which recognise the best games presented at the show.

A platform for business, talent and international exchange

The business area expects to facilitate more than 1,200 meetings between studios, publishers, investors and professionals. Universities and specialist video game schools will also have their own stands, presenting educational programmes and student projects while connecting the industry with its next generation of talent.

Confirmed participating companies include The Behemoth, Devolver Digital and Super Rare Games, alongside professionals connected to internationally recognised studios such as Larian Studios and Gameloft, who will share their experience with visitors and industry attendees.

“We want the festival to be a meeting point where creators, studios, publishers, investors, educational institutions and professionals can generate new opportunities and help the video game ecosystem grow.” – Carles Garcia, SAGA Barcelona Game Fest representative

A shared project with long-term ambition

SAGA Barcelona Game Fest unites three initiatives that have helped develop the region’s video game ecosystem: BCN Game Fest, promoted by the Catalan Institute of Alternative Leisure and New Technologies (ICOA); RetroBarcelona; and SAGA Saló del Gaming, organised by Plataforma per la Llengua. Their combined experience gives the new event greater scale, ambition and international reach.