The first edition of Game Conscience Week (GC Week) was officially launched on October 30, 2026, at the French Institute in Cotonou, Benin. The festival, which celebrates video games and African and Japanese pop culture, aims to turn gaming passion into a driver of skills, inclusion, and entrepreneurship in Benin. The event is organized by the Creative Innovation and Entertainment Lab, with support from several institutional and private partners, including CanalBox.
The festival will run for three days, bringing together gamers, content creators, families, and digital culture enthusiasts for a diverse program. The agenda includes eSports competitions on eight major titles, awareness panels, conferences, workshops, a cosplay contest, animations, concerts, and dedicated spaces for entrepreneurship. Organizers expect to mobilize over 3,000 participants and reward 30 champions with 4 million FCFA in prizes, gaming equipment, and premium passes.
The coordinator general, Kryst Kinhouandé, highlighted the progress made since 2024 to make this project a reality. He stated that GC Week aims to change the perception of video games and their players, debunking stereotypes and demonstrating that gaming passion can lead to concrete economic opportunities. Kinhouandé also emphasized the importance of valuing Beninese video game creators and promoting local talent.
Jérôme Binet, Director of the French Institute in Benin, recalled the genesis of this initiative, which dates back to a meeting of cultural and creative industry actors in Lagos in October 2025. He stressed the need to federate ecosystem actors, make video game jobs visible, and develop a genuine economy around this sector. Binet also praised the festival's educational dimension and the interest of exchanges with experienced professionals.
Daryl Medégan, representing Epitech Benin, highlighted the professional and entrepreneurial potential of the sector. He stated that behind every video game are jobs, skills, and businesses, inviting parents to better support their children's aspirations and professionals, institutions, and partners to support training, innovation, and the emergence of local studios capable of valuing Beninese history and imagination.
The event has garnered support from various partners, demonstrating the growing interest in the video game industry in Benin. By promoting gaming as a skill and entrepreneurial opportunity, GC Week aims to contribute to the structuring of the video game industry in the country. The festival also seeks to raise awareness about the potential of the sector and encourage the development of local talent.
As the first edition of GC Week comes to a close, organizers are optimistic about the impact it will have on the Beninese gaming community and the country's digital culture. With its diverse program and support from various partners, the festival has set a precedent for future editions and solidified its place as a major event in Benin's cultural calendar.
Key points
- The festival aims to promote gaming as a driver of skills, inclusion, and entrepreneurship in Benin.
- The event features a diverse program, including eSports competitions, awareness panels, and entrepreneurship spaces.
- Organizers expect to mobilize over 3,000 participants and reward 30 champions with prizes and gaming equipment.
