Play in the City – Festival of Ludic Culture

The Inaugural 2025 Edition

The first edition of Play in the City enlivened Modena from November 21 to 23, 2025, attracting nearly seven thousand visitors, with nine universities involved, seven research institutes, and over one hundred exhibitors and participants. Activities were held free of charge between the Collegio and the Church of San Carlo and the Department of Law of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia.

The opening evening on Friday the 21st, dedicated to the theme Sport as Play, featured a round table with journalist Fabrizio Monari, coach Nicolò Zanni, and game designer Alfredo Genovese. Among the most popular events were the Play History trail, the interactive diorama of Gradara Castle with a reconstruction of a medieval siege, the scientific escape room Cryptolocked, and the presentation of Botanicus, Game of the Year 2025. The offering was completed by two exhibitions, dedicated to the forty years of the Game Book and the digital extensions of board games.

Friday 21st: opening evening Sport as Play at Collegio San Carlo and twenty-four professional training sessions organized into six thematic strands. Saturday 22nd: Play History trail, interactive diorama of Gradara Castle, Cryptolocked escape room, and presentation of Botanicus (Game of the Year 2025). Sunday 23rd: activities for families and the meeting Marco and Anna's Suitcase on play as a resource for vulnerabilities.

Nearly seven thousand visitors, over two hundred games, dozens of exhibitors, and two exhibitions (40th Game Book and Extra Turn) for the festival's first edition.