Convention - Play In Paris 2025: A Promising First Edition Despite a Few Missed Notes

By Mulder, Vincennes, Parc floral de Paris, Hall de la Pinède, 26 october 2025

The first edition of Play In Paris 2025 took place from October 24 to 26 at the Parc Floral in Vincennes and instantly proved its strong potential. Conceived as a vibrant celebration of play and imagination, the event brought together a wide range of exhibitors—from entertainment giants like Hasbro, Mattel, and Bandai, to leading board game publishers such as Asmodee, Ravensburger, and Blackrock Games. Yet, behind the lively atmosphere and palpable enthusiasm, a few shortcomings stood out: booths that were too small for their brands’ stature, a lack of display cases showcasing prototypes or top-sellers, and, notably, the absence of some iconic franchises. Many were disappointed not to find the Masters of the Universe line on Mattel’s stand—especially given the excitement surrounding the upcoming live-action film—and the Hasbro booth was also missing two major fan-favorite ranges: Star Wars and Marvel Legends.

Still, the energy of the event more than made up for these frustrations. Organized by Eno Events, a company with over twenty years of experience creating traveling exhibitions, Play In Paris successfully transformed the Hall de la Pinède into a space where nostalgia and innovation met. This 2025 debut edition stood out for its immersive design and interactive setup, which encouraged hands-on exploration and connection. The spirit of the event was clear from the first steps inside: to bring back the emotional and social dimension of play in an increasingly digital world. Every corner of the show seemed to whisper the same message—that toys aren’t just products, but vessels of memory, creativity, and joy.

Among the major highlights, Silverlit celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Exost brand with a spectacular National Remote-Control Grand Prix. On a sprawling 120-square-meter race track, kids and teens faced off in heated competitions before a grand finale on Saturday, where the winners earned the chance to attend an actual Formula 1 race. The combination of friendly rivalry and family fun perfectly encapsulated the show’s mission: to unite generations around excitement and shared discovery.

Imagination and creativity also had a starring role. Playmobil captured hearts with its new Sky Trails line, allowing children to build aerial circuits filled with loops, jumps, and propulsion systems. It was a clever blend of physical play and interactive engagement—reflecting the brand’s philosophy of making learning fun and tactile. Hasbro, ever a powerhouse, drew crowds with two evergreen favorites: Play-Doh, reimagined through a Barbie-themed creative workshop, and Furby DJ, an interactive comeback for the beloved toy designed to teach rhythm and music through playful expression. Together, these exhibits formed a bridge between generations—rekindling parents’ nostalgia while inspiring their children’s curiosity.

The board game section was equally vibrant and diverse. Asmodee, now synonymous with modern tabletop culture, delivered an engaging experience with interactive tables and live demonstrations of its hits like Catan, 7 Wonders, Dobble, and Just One. Ravensburger, the timeless German icon, unveiled several new family-friendly titles—1,2,3 Slip Away!, Oh My Pigeon! and Unstoppable—while showcasing its classic puzzles and strategy games. Smart Games impressed visitors with its latest brainteasers, reaffirming its reputation as the master of single-player logic games. Meanwhile, Goliath brought laughter and chaos with its famous action-based titles like Don’t Wake Dad, Greedy Granny, and Pat’Patrouille Junior Sequences, reminding everyone that simplicity and fun often make the best combination.

For pop culture lovers, the Bandai booth was a nostalgic playground. Fans could marvel at detailed collectibles from legendary franchises such as Dragon Ball, Naruto, One Piece, and Gundam. The return of the Tamagotchi, upgraded with modern features, struck a chord with those who had once carried the original in their schoolbags. Alpha Group also stood out with its action-packed lines inspired by Super Wings and Heroes of Goo Jit Zu, emphasizing movement, creativity, and durability in children’s play experiences.

European brands added a strong dose of heritage and craftsmanship. Jumbo, the Dutch puzzle and board game specialist, charmed families with its strategic classics like Stratego and beautifully crafted puzzles. Winning Moves tapped into collective nostalgia with refreshed editions of timeless hits like Monopoly and Cluedo, reimagined through pop culture themes. Blackrock Games showcased its distinctive identity as a curator of innovative and socially engaging tabletop titles, while VTech demonstrated how technology can genuinely enhance learning through its educational smart toys, tablets, and interactive systems for young children.

Beyond the big names, a few original initiatives caught attention. The team behind Les Aventures de Léo offered hands-on workshops combining construction play, escape games, and screen-free programming for kids—a fresh reminder that play can be both entertaining and educational. France Télévisions used its presence to highlight its commitment to quality children’s programming, extending its storytelling through online platforms and interactive apps.

Not everything ran perfectly, of course. Some stands felt undersized compared to the demand, and the lack of display showcases left toy enthusiasts hungry for more visual excitement. The absence of a proper press kit or media bag was another noticeable oversight for journalists trying to cover the event thoroughly. These logistical details might seem minor, but refining them could make a real difference in future editions.

Ultimately, Play In Paris 2025 succeeded in what matters most: rekindling the joy of play and proving that France can host a truly international toy and game fair. Its blend of innovation, nostalgia, and accessibility made it a family event with real emotional resonance. With just a few adjustments, this first edition could evolve into a flagship annual gathering—a place where generations meet, ideas collide, and the universal magic of play continues to bring people together in the heart of Paris.

You can discover our photos in our Flickr page

Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville