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International Games Week

Get your game on! Celebrate International Games Week and discover new worlds, epic adventures, and unforgettable journeys of camaraderie!

Sunday

1–7

November 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEFirst Full Week in November (Sunday to Saturday)

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYPop Culture

SUBCATEGORYGaming

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

As the autumn leaves begin to fall, a world of epic adventures and thrilling competition dovetails to add some excitement to the season: it's time for International Games Week, commencing on November 7! This exhilarating week originated during the mid-2000s as a way for libraries to connect with their local communities through the universal language of games. From video games to board games, traditional to cutting-edge digital, games of all kinds bring people together in a unique blend of friendly competition and cooperative teamwork. So pick up a controller, roll the dice, or deal a hand—it's time to plunge into the world of play!

TIMELINE

International Games Week Timeline

Games Week Origin

The concept for International Games Week was first proposed as an initiative to connect libraries with their communities via games.

First Official Celebration

The inaugural International Games Week was held, spearheaded by libraries across the globe, endorsing the value of play and community engagement.

Influence of Digital Gaming

Digital games, notably video and computer games, became a larger part of the celebration as they gained worldwide popularity.

International Expansion

More countries join in celebrating the International Games Week, reflecting the universal appeal of games in fostering connections and collaborations.

Growth of Board Games

The resurgence of board games and tabletop gaming sees a wider variety of games being celebrated during International Games Week.

Virtual Celebrations

During the COVID-19 pandemic, libraries and communities around the world adapt the celebration to online formats, demonstrating the adaptive capacity of games.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate International Games Week

Host a gaming marathon

Organize a day-long gaming marathon for your buddies. Mix it up with different video games, board games, and even some interactive online games. You can make it more exciting by having different themes, snacks and even some gaming competitions!

ATTEND

Attend a gaming convention

Check out gaming conventions happening near you during International Games Week. Here, you can immerse yourself in the world of games, interact with like-minded people, and even get the chance to play some unreleased games!

CREATE

Create your own game

Why not commemorate the week by creating your own game? Whether you design a board game, video game, or even an interactive outdoor game, the possibilities are endless. Showcase it to your friends at the end of the week!

EXPLORE

Explore retro games

Take some time to explore the history of games by playing retro games. Difficult arcade games, pixelated graphics, and chiptune music will give you a newfound appreciation for how far gaming has evolved over the years.

JOIN

Join a gaming tournament

Are you competitive? Then participate in a gaming tournament during the week. Whether it's on a local or a larger scale, battling it out with other players could be an exhilarating experience.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love International Games Week

Promotion of creativity and appreciation for game development

International Games Week encourages us not just to play games but also to appreciate the art and creativity involved in creating them. Whether by exploring retro games to see how far we've come, or by designing our own game, it is a chance to understand and respect the hard work and innovation that goes into every game we enjoy.

An entire week dedicated to the joy and passion of gaming

International Games Week is a celebration for all gamers, from casual players to hardcore enthusiasts. It's a time to fully immerse ourselves in our favorite games, explore new ones, and share our gaming experiences with friends, family, and fellow gamers across the world.

Emphasis on community and connection

This week is not only about playing games, but it also emphasizes the strong sense of community that gaming can create. It provides an opportunity to connect and interact with other like-minded people, whether that's at a gaming convention, during a tournament, or online.

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