Organized by the National Foundation for Computer Games in collaboration with Iran's state broadcaster and Milad Tower, the week-long gathering from February 12 to 18, 2026, aims to highlight achievements, foster investment opportunities, and unite developers, publishers, and cultural officials in the digital gaming sector, according to IRNA.
The event combines competitive leagues, exhibitions, and educational workshops, reflecting Iran's push to develop its tech-savvy youth and expand the local gaming market despite international sanctions.
Day two featured the inaugural rounds of the "Simorgh League," sparking excitement among participants eager for more structured competitions.
FIFA (FC 26) matches kicked off in Hall C, attracting players across all age groups in head-to-head battles, with noticeable age diversity adding to the thrill.
In the Minecraft Battle Royale segment, contestants engaged in 15-minute survival challenges on equal footing, where the top 10 survivors advanced, primarily drawing teenage gamers on computers.
Exhibition halls buzzed with studios showcasing award-winning titles from past festivals and serious games prizes, allowing visitors to demo Iranian-developed products.
A live broadcast for the OmId network featured interactive sessions of the game "Amirza," alongside introductions to local games and developers.
Attendees also enjoyed casual activities like table football and darts, while virtual reality stations offered immersive experiences.
Shifting to innovative physical engagement, the Children's Intellectual Development Center introduced motion-based games to encourage activity after sedentary play, promoting healthier habits among gamers.
Despite some empty booths on the Friday opening, organizers anticipated higher attendance starting Sunday.
Moving to day three, the festival gained momentum with the close of registrations for Counter-Strike 2 and team draws, leading to initial group matches.
Five-player teams competed, but individual registrants were sidelined due to insufficient notification, prompting complaints about communication.
Visitor numbers swelled from morning to evening, peaking after school hours as families and students flocked in.
In a key announcement, the Iranian Video Games Festival revealed nominees for its 11th edition, with "Little Guardians: The Last Hope" leading with 12 nods across categories like technical achievement, design, art, music, narrative, and game of the year.
The awards ceremony is set for February 17 at Milad Tower.
Educational sessions began with a workshop on "Building Games Without Coding," taught virtually by Mehrdad Rezaei over five days in Stage C.
Participants learn to create RPGs, platformers, physics-based, and 3D games using no-code engines, including features like saving, checkpoints, and exporting for Windows, Android, and Apple.
Capping the day, a FC 26 showdown on a massive screen featured a best-of-three match between two players, creating a stadium-like atmosphere with live commentary, lighting, and cheering fans.