Milan Games Week & Cartoomics 2027 – Italy

What to expect

Italy’s largest pop-culture and gaming gathering: Milan Games Week & Cartoomics, often abbreviated as MGWCMX, is the most important Italian event dedicated to video games, esports, comics, manga, cosplay, board games, role-playing, cinema, music and geek culture. Organized by Fiera Milano and Fandango Club Creators, the show has grown from a pure gaming fair launched in 2011 into a unified festival that also incorporates Cartoomics, the historic Milan comics event active since 1992. Visitors can expect an immersive, high-energy environment where major international publishers, indie studios, comic publishers, collectible brands and creator communities occupy vast pavilions.

A complete experience for every fandom: The festival is structured as a series of interconnected districts rather than a single exhibition hall. The Gaming District forms the heart, with hundreds of playable stations for console and PC titles, world premieres and presentations of upcoming releases. The Esports arena hosts professional tournaments, showmatches and influencer challenges. Electric Town is entirely dedicated to otaku culture, anime and Japanese entertainment. Unplugged celebrates board games, tabletop RPGs and card games. Fandomland offers shopping for gadgets, action figures, limited editions and manga, while Studios and Music & Show areas provide escape rooms, live performances, talent shows and meet-and-greets. The combination of hands-on play, competitive events, creator panels and cosplay parades creates three full days of non-stop entertainment for families, hardcore gamers, collectors and casual fans alike.

Event dates

Festival window: November 2027 (Dates TBD)

Daily opening hours: The fairgrounds are generally open from 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM, with priority early entry from 09:00 AM for holders of Rare, Epic and Legendary tickets. Final hours are confirmed closer to the event.

Ticket sales timeline: Tickets are typically released in early summer at a discounted early-bird rate available until the end of September, with standard pricing applying from October onward.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Venue & exhibition site

Fiera Milano Rho: The event takes place at Fiera Milano, located at Strada Statale Sempione 28, Rho-Pero, Milan. This is Italy’s largest and most modern exhibition center, offering vast pavilions, an auditorium, high ceilings for stage productions and direct connections to public transport. The venue allows for simultaneous programming across multiple halls without overcrowding.

Pavilions and auditorium: Recent editions have utilized pavilions 9, 11, 13, 15 and the central Auditorium of Fiera Milano. Each pavilion is themed: one cluster for video games and publishers, another for esports and competitive stages, one for Cartoomics editorial stands, manga and comics, and additional spaces for cosplay stages, creator areas and shopping. The Auditorium hosts major presentations, premieres and guest panels with large seating capacity.

Facilities and services: The site offers multi-storey and outdoor parking, food courts, rest areas, cloakrooms, charging stations, free Wi-Fi in selected zones, press rooms and accessibility services. The entire complex is designed for high visitor flow, with wide corridors, clear signage and dedicated staff for crowd management.

Full gaming programme

Gaming District – the core: The Gaming District is the true heart of the event, presenting an extraordinary showcase of console and PC video games. Visitors can try unreleased demos, meet developers, attend behind-the-scenes presentations and participate in open challenges. The area includes booths from major international publishers as well as a strong presence of Italian studios presenting national productions.

Electric Town – anime and otaku culture: A dedicated district centered around anime, manga, Japanese pop culture, voice actors and themed merchandise. It features screening areas, idol performances, karaoke stages and meet-and-greets with mangaka and dubbing artists.

Unplugged – board games and role-playing: The best board games, tabletop role-playing games and collectible card games are available for free play, with game masters explaining rules, tournaments for enthusiasts and previews of new releases from Italian and European publishers.

Fandomland and Studios: Fandomland is the shopping area with stands selling gadgets, merchandise, action figures, collector’s editions and handmade crafts. Studios offers interactive experiences, engaging activities, escape rooms and immersive installations tied to popular franchises.

Music & Show: Three full days of music, live performances, influencer shows, talent contests and creator panels that celebrate the crossover between gaming, comics and entertainment.

Featured games & developers

Major publishers and Italian productions: The program includes presentations on Italian and international productions, with recent editions highlighting titles such as The Lonesome Guild, Screamer, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Simon the Sorcerer Origins. Publishers use the Milan stage for national previews and community events, often bringing developers for live gameplay commentary.

Indie discovery: A curated indie area allows visitors to discover emerging studios, play prototypes and vote for audience favorites. Developers offer direct feedback sessions, making it a valuable platform for independent creators to reach a large, passionate audience.

Comic artists and illustrators: The Cartoomics side brings Marvel and DC authors, internationally known mangaka and world-renowned Italian illustrators. Editorial stands from major manga and graphic novel publishers present new series, limited editions and signing sessions.

Streamers, creators and voice actors: Top Italian streamers and creators such as Favij, Pow3r, Kurolily, Rekin’s, Grax and DarioMoccia regularly appear, alongside iconic voice actors from video games and anime who participate in panels and meet-and-greet sessions.

Esports tournaments & competitions

Professional tournaments: The Esports Show area hosts top-tier tournaments featuring professional teams in League of Legends, Valorant, EA FC, Fortnite and other leading titles. Matches are played on large stages with professional casters, live commentary and LED screens for audience viewing.

Showmatches and influencer challenges: Popular influencers and pro-players compete in exhibition matches, allowing fans to watch their favorite creators test their skills live. These showmatches often include audience interaction and prize giveaways.

Community cups and open brackets: Visitors can register for amateur tournaments, open brackets and on-site qualifiers that offer merchandise, hardware and qualification spots for larger circuits. The structure encourages participation from casual players as well as competitive teams.

Cosplay competitions: Official cosplay contests, parades and awards are held on the main stage, with professional photobooths, meetups with international cosplay champions and judging panels composed of renowned costume designers and photographers.

Tournament & event schedule

Daily flow: Each day is organized into time blocks: mornings are dedicated to press previews, creator meet-and-greets and family-friendly activities; afternoons feature main stage panels, publisher showcases and tournament quarterfinals; evenings are reserved for finals, cosplay shows and musical performances that run until closing time.

Stage programming: Multiple stages operate simultaneously, including the main Esports stage, the Cartoomics stage for comic panels, the Creator stage for streamers and the Music stage for live shows. The official app and website provide a detailed hour-by-hour schedule with filtering by interest area.

Special guest slots: International guests, voice actors and comic artists are scheduled in dedicated meet-and-greet windows with ticketing or queue management to ensure fair access. Autograph sessions and photo opportunities are announced in advance and require separate queue tickets.

Closing events: The final day typically includes award ceremonies for cosplay contests, esports finals, community awards for best indie games and a closing celebration with special guests and musical acts.

Ticket types

Single-day tickets: Based on previous editions, single-day admission is priced according to expected attendance. Friday admission is approximately $29.16 USD, Saturday admission is approximately $35.64 USD, and Sunday admission is approximately $31.32 USD. Reduced pricing for children aged 6 to 10 is available at approximately $7.56 USD for Friday, $12.96 USD for Saturday and $9.72 USD for Sunday, with free entry for children up to 5 years old.

Three-day pass: The complete pass for all three days costs approximately $70.20 USD, offering significant savings compared to individual day purchases. Sector Pass Visitor Three Days Level 2 has been listed at approximately $60.84 USD to $65.00 USD depending on sales channel.

Early-bird and standard pricing: Tickets sold from June until the end of September are offered at a discounted early-bird rate, while from October onward standard rates apply. All tickets are nominative and require ID matching at entry, as per Italian regulations for large events.

Student and partner discounts: Discounted entrance tickets have been offered for students and partner communities, for example approximately $17.28 USD for specific days, available through affiliated institutions.

VIP & premium access

Rare ticket: Priced at approximately $52.92 USD, the Rare ticket offers exclusive benefits including priority access one hour before official opening, separate entrance lane to avoid queues and an exclusive gadget.

Epic ticket: Priced at approximately $117.72 USD, the Epic tier includes all Rare benefits plus premium seating for selected panels, additional exclusive merchandise, access to a dedicated lounge area and fast-track for selected meet-and-greets.

Legendary ticket: The top-tier Legendary ticket, priced at approximately $150.12 USD, provides the full premium experience with priority access from 09:00 AM, separate VIP entrance, exclusive limited-edition collectibles, access to VIP lounge, premium viewing areas for main stage and esports finals and dedicated photo opportunities.

Benefits across tiers: All premium tickets include priority entry, which is particularly valuable on high-attendance days, and exclusive digital content. Holders also receive early notification of guest announcements and pre-booking for limited-capacity events.

Exhibitors & gaming companies

Video game publishers: Major international publishers showcase upcoming releases, playable demos and exclusive trailers. Their booths often feature elaborate scenography, photo opportunities and developer presentations.

Indie studios and Italian developers: A dedicated indie area highlights emerging Italian studios and international micro-teams, presenting innovative gameplay concepts, narrative experiences and experimental titles that often debut at Milan Games Week before wider release.

Comics and manga publishers: Editorial stands from leading manga, comic and graphic novel publishers offer new releases, back catalogs, limited editions and signing sessions with authors. The area includes both large publishing groups and independent labels.

Hardware, peripherals and lifestyle brands: Exhibitors include gaming hardware manufacturers, peripheral makers, PC builders, chair and accessory brands, as well as lifestyle and fashion brands tied to geek culture.

Exhibition halls & gaming zones

Hall layout: The event uses multiple interconnected pavilions at Fiera Milano Rho. Pavilions 9, 11, 13 and 15 are traditionally assigned to gaming, esports and Cartoomics, while the Auditorium hosts main presentations. Each hall has a distinct identity but is connected by covered walkways.

Gaming zones within halls: Inside each pavilion, zones are clearly marked: console free-play areas, PC gaming rows, VR experiences, retro gaming corners, indie showcase, board game tables and creator meetup zones. Esports stages are centrally located with tiered seating for spectators.

Cartoomics zones: Dedicated areas for editorial stands, artist alley, collector’s market with action figures and limited editions, cosplay changing rooms and repair stations, and professional photobooths with themed backdrops.

Rest and service zones: Food courts, relaxation areas, charging stations, information points and first aid stations are distributed throughout the halls to support long visits. The layout is designed to manage high visitor flow with wide aisles and clear signage.

Game demos & new releases

Playable world premieres: Visitors can play demos of upcoming titles months before commercial release, including both AAA productions and highly anticipated indie games. Developers often collect feedback directly from players on the show floor.

Behind-closed-doors presentations: Selected new releases are shown in theatre-style presentations with extended gameplay, developer commentary and Q&A sessions. These sessions often require queue tickets distributed early in the day.

Italian spotlight: The event places strong emphasis on Italian game development, with dedicated showcases for Italian productions, panels on funding and development challenges and awards for best Italian game.

Collector and physical editions: Publishers offer event-exclusive physical editions, pre-order bonuses and limited merchandise tied to new releases, available only at the fair.

Event rules

Nominative tickets and ID check: Admission requires a nominative ticket purchased through official channels. Visitors must present a valid ID matching the ticket name at entry. Transfer of tickets is limited and must follow official resale procedures.

Security and prohibited items: Bags are subject to search at entry. Prohibited items include large luggage, weapons, glass bottles, professional recording equipment without accreditation and any item deemed dangerous by security staff.

Cosplay props policy: Cosplay weapons and props must be made of soft, non-harmful materials and are inspected at entry. Realistic imitation firearms, metal blades and heavy props are not allowed inside the pavilions.

Recording and streaming: Personal photos and short videos are allowed for private use, but professional recording, live streaming of esports finals or publisher presentations without accreditation is prohibited. Official press areas are reserved for accredited media.

Behavior and age policy: Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Visitors are expected to respect staff, cosplayers and other attendees. Harassment, discrimination or disruptive behavior will result in removal without refund.

How to get there

By car: Fiera Milano Rho is located at Strada Statale Sempione 28, Rho. The recommended highway exit is A4 Rho Fiera / Pero. Large paid parking areas surround the venue, including multi-storey and outdoor lots. Arriving early is recommended to avoid queues, especially on high-attendance days.

By train: The Rho Fiera station is directly connected to the exhibition center. Regional and high-frequency trains connect from Milano Porta Garibaldi, Milano Centrale, Milano Lambrate and several Lombardy cities. Increased train frequency is scheduled during event days, and Trenord lines S5, S6 and S11 serve the station.

By metro: Metro Line M1 red line towards Rho Fiera provides direct access. An extra-urban ticket is required beyond the urban fare. The metro station is directly linked to the pavilions via covered walkways.

By plane and shuttle: Visitors arriving by plane can land at Malpensa international airport or Milan Linate. From Malpensa Terminal 1, Trenord services reach Rho Fiera in just under 40 minutes with a change at Busto Arsizio. Special shuttle buses and additional bus services operate from various areas of Milan during the event.

Public transport & parking

Public transport integration: The venue is fully integrated with Milan’s public transport network. Metro, suburban trains and regional buses all stop at Rho Fiera. Tickets can be purchased at automatic machines, tobacco shops or via mobility apps. Event days see additional runs and special services.

Parking facilities: Large paid parking areas are available around the venue, including multi-storey garages and outdoor lots. Prices vary by duration, and early arrival is advised. Parking for visitors with reduced mobility is reserved near entrances.

Traffic management: On peak days, traffic around Rho Fiera is heavy. Organizers recommend using public transport rather than private cars. The A4 highway exit Rho Fiera is clearly signposted, and staff direct vehicles to available lots.

Internal mobility: Once inside, the fairgrounds are entirely walkable with covered connections between pavilions. Electric carts are available for visitors with reduced mobility upon request at information points.

Accommodation areas

Near Fiera Milano Rho: The closest hotels are located in Pero, Rho and the northwest Milan area, within 1500 meters of the exhibition center. Properties such as Embassy Park Hotel offer 24-hour reception, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms and proximity to shops and restaurants, making them excellent bases for the event.

Central Milan: Many visitors choose to stay in central Milan, which offers extensive hotel options, nightlife and cultural attractions, and commute via metro M1 in under 20 minutes. This option combines event attendance with city tourism.

Budget and alternative options: Hostels, B&Bs and vacation rentals in the Rho and Pero area provide affordable alternatives, while business hotels near the fairgrounds cater to exhibitors and industry professionals. Booking well in advance is recommended due to high demand.

Packages and partner hotels: Official partner hotels often offer special rates that include shuttle services to the venue and early breakfast to accommodate early entry for premium ticket holders.

Accessibility

Venue accessibility: Fiera Milano Rho is fully accessible, with step-free entrances, wide aisles, elevators, accessible restrooms and designated seating areas in auditoriums and esports arenas. Wheelchair users can access all pavilions via covered walkways.

Services for visitors with disabilities: Reserved parking spaces, loan of wheelchairs at information points, accessible information desks and trained staff assistance are available. Guide dogs are permitted throughout the venue.

Sensory and family services: Quiet rooms, baby changing facilities, nursing areas and family rest zones are provided. Visitors with sensory sensitivities can request information about less crowded time slots and quieter routes.

Assistance and contact: Visitors requiring specific assistance are advised to contact organizers in advance via the official website to arrange support. The event is organized by a company registered under Milan Company Register No. 13194800150, REA MI n. 1623812, VAT number 13194800150, certified email fieramilano@legalmail.it.

Previous year’s highlights

Record attendance and world premieres: The previous edition confirmed the event as Italy’s largest pop-culture gathering, with world premieres, competitive tournaments, themed areas, international celebrities and thousands of fans from across Italy filling the pavilions.

Guest lineup: The edition featured top Italian streamers and creators including Favij, Pow3r, Kurolily, Rekin’s, Grax and DarioMoccia, alongside international gaming guests, pro-players of League of Legends, Valorant and Fortnite invited by prominent European teams, Marvel and DC authors, mangaka, famous voice actors and special cosplay guests who served as judges for official competitions.

Program richness: Highlights included playable demos of upcoming releases, areas dedicated to major publishers, indie booths showcasing emerging studios, tournaments featuring professional teams, showmatches with influencers, stages dedicated to EA FC and other titles, editorial stands with manga and graphic novels, collector’s areas with limited editions, official cosplay competitions and professional photobooths.

Community celebration: The event featured music, showmatches and a celebration of talent over three days, with cosplay parades, comic artist meet-and-greets, autograph opportunities and immersive experiences that reinforced its status as a reference point for Italian gaming and comics communities.

Official tickets

Official sales channel: Tickets are sold exclusively through the official website https://www.milangamesweek.it/ and authorized ticketing partners. Early-bird sales typically begin in June with discounted rates available until the end of September, after which standard rates apply.

Ticket types and pricing reference: While final pricing for the upcoming edition will be announced closer to the event, reference pricing from previous editions converted to USD is as follows: single-day Friday approximately $29.16 USD, Saturday approximately $35.64 USD, Sunday approximately $31.32 USD, three-day pass approximately $70.20 USD, Rare ticket approximately $52.92 USD, Epic ticket approximately $117.72 USD and Legendary ticket approximately $150.12 USD. Reduced children’s tickets are approximately $7.56 USD to $12.96 USD depending on the day, with free entry for children up to 5 years old.

Entry conditions: All tickets are nominative and require matching ID at entry. Priority access from 09:00 AM is reserved for Rare, Epic and Legendary holders. Visitors should consult the official website for final pricing, terms and any additional fees.

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