GAME CITY, recognized as Austria's largest gaming festival, the second largest in the DACH region, and the third largest in Europe by visitor numbers, has announced a major transformation to celebrate its 20th anniversary. After setting a new attendance record with 87,000 visitors in 2025, the event will enter a new phase under the management of MICE & Men.

The organizers confirmed that there will be no traditional edition in 2026. The strategic pause has been planned to allow the development of a completely new experience, ensuring that the festival's two decade milestone can be celebrated on an even larger scale when it returns the following year.

The 2027 celebrations will be built around two complementary initiatives. The first will be a reimagined version of the main festival, preserving its core identity while introducing fresh experiences for the community. The second will be GAME DAYS, a citywide event series featuring public activities, decentralized attractions, and local partnerships that will turn various parts of Vienna into gaming destinations.

Milena Riedel, Owner of MICE & Men, highlighted the ambition behind the project, stating: "GAME CITY is more than a festival – it's a movement. In 2027, we don't just want to celebrate the anniversary, but elevate gaming in Vienna to a new level: with our trusted main event AND the GAME DAYS, which will involve the entire city."

Tarek Sharif, Owner of MICE & Men, reinforced the vision for the anniversary year, saying: "20 years of GAME CITY deserve a special year. That's why in 2027, we're implementing a dual concept: the festival everyone knows and loves – and the GAME DAYS - VIENNA PLAYS as a new platform for the entire city. With the GAME DAYS - VIENNA PLAYS, we want to live up to our name and make Vienna the first true GAME CITY in the world."