Long Day Play

Long Day Play, the board game festival in Rome

Long Day Play is one of the most vibrant gaming initiatives in Rome: a true board game marathon that enlivens various corners of the city throughout the year. It is organized by GdT Roma Players, an association founded to promote modern gaming culture and social interaction around the table, bringing together ludopubs, specialized shops, associations, authors, and publishers from the capital.

Two souls: Piazza Sempione and the summer evenings

The historic venue for the event is Piazza Sempione, in the heart of the Montesacro district, where dozens of tables are set up under the arcades, open to everyone from morning to night. Alongside this daytime, free-to-attend format, the Summer Editions have been introduced in recent years: evenings hosted at the IKEA Roma Anagnina, designed for playing late into the midsummer nights.

What to expect at Long Day Play

• Guided tables and demonstrations: expert demonstrators explain the rules and guide players, even beginners.
• Open play: extensive game libraries are available to try titles of every genre and duration.
• Previews and prototypes: editorial novelties and as-yet-unreleased games presented directly by the authors.
• Guests and publishers: the presence of publishing houses and game designers turns the day into an opportunity to connect with the Italian gaming industry.

Recent editions have featured titles such as Teotihuacan, Bier Pioniere, and Il Fiume d'Oro, showcasing a selection that ranges from major strategy games to lighter, family-friendly titles.

An event open to everyone

Long Day Play is aimed at a wide audience: families with children, groups of friends, expert gamers, and curious newcomers who want to explore the world of board games. The atmosphere is that of a large shared celebration, where gaming becomes a tool for socialization and discovery. The Piazza Sempione editions are generally free, with table reservations via Eventbrite; the evening Summer Editions require dedicated booking and often include dining options.

Long Day Play and the city

Often held in collaboration with the local municipality and many local gaming associations, the event is a key part of the cultural life of Rome, in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital (Lazio). The calendar is not fixed: dates are announced periodically on the association's channels, with events distributed throughout the year and new editions held in different districts of the city.