What’s the best day to book a table? Which table should I choose?
If this is your first time at IDEAG, we suggest booking your table for Sunday.
That way you can use Saturday to meet as many people as possible, making it easier to find playtesters the next day!
If your games don’t take up much space or don’t require many players, we recommend choosing an S table — you’ll share it with another designer and get to enjoy the full IDEAG experience together.
If your game needs a lot of room, go for a Large (L) table.
For party games, a Medium (M) or Large (L) table usually works best.
Will there be publishers at the event? How can I contact them?
Usually, between 15 and 25 publishers attend IDEAG.
Some are actively looking for new games, others come just to playtest and give feedback to designers.
With more than 250 designers expected, not everyone will get the chance to meet or show their prototype to a publisher — and that’s perfectly okay!
IDEAG has been a hub for the design community for over 20 years, and it’s a great opportunity for publishers to check out what experienced designers have been working on during the past year.
To help new and unpublished designers, we send the prototype list to publishers about 10 days before the event.
However, since the number of prototypes keeps growing, make sure to choose carefully which games to include — catching a publisher’s attention is part of the challenge!
Meeting a publisher and playtesting with them is always a great learning experience — their feedback can help you improve your designs. Try to build genuine relationships!
Will there be publishers specialized in RPGs?
IdeaGDR is now in its second edition, with a limited number of tables.
We can’t guarantee the presence of RPG-focused publishers.
Please remember: this meeting is primarily for designers — it’s about sharing ideas and improving together, not pitching products.
How do the shared S tables work?
S tables are large tables shared between two designers.
Each designer gets half the space.
The goal is to encourage interaction and playtesting between designers — IDEAG’s first rule is “Play and let others play,” preferably in that order!
S tables are created by splitting a Large (L) table in half.
Each S table has 4 chairs and is ideal for small games with few components.
Can I book two S tables and use them as one big table?
No, S tables are meant to be shared with another designer.
That’s part of the IDEAG spirit!
However, if some tables remain unbooked in December, we might allow this option — but it can’t be guaranteed until the first round of assignments is completed.
If I book a table for one day but attend both days, do I need to register again as a Game Designer without a table?
No need!
When you register as a Game Designer, you get a badge valid for the entire event.
You don’t need to register again as a “no-table” designer.
We actually encourage designers to book a table for just one day, so they can spend the other day playtesting other designers’ games!
The “no-table” registration is mainly for co-designers or for those who prefer to attend without hosting their own table.
I’m co-designing a game with another designer. Can we get tables next to each other?
Unfortunately, no.
We can’t guarantee seating arrangements, nor that two designers will be in the same room or that tables can be swapped during the event.
If you’re a group or collective, the best option is to book a single table together.
We’re a collective of designers. Can we book multiple tables and share them?
We suggest that collectives book no more than one table per day during the first registration phase.
Of course, each group can decide what works best for them — but the goal is to give as many designers as possible a chance to have a table.
Can I cancel my registration?
Yes, you can cancel your IDEAG 2026 registration.
If someone else takes your table, we’ll refund your fee minus transaction costs.
To cancel, send an email to ideag@saz-italia.it with your name, surname, email, and phone number.
If I can’t attend IDEAG at the last minute, can I get a refund?
Unfortunately not.
Participation fees are used to cover event costs (venue rental, materials, and logistics), so we can’t refund late cancellations.
Can I sell my prototypes or games during the event?
No.
IDEAG is a networking and testing event, not a sales fair.
It’s a place for authors to meet, share, and learn — not to sell.
For this reason, no commercial activity is allowed:
selling prototypes, self-published games, or retail copies is strictly forbidden — for everyone, including designers, playtesters, bloggers, and publishers.
I have a Kickstarter campaign — can I hand out flyers or display banners?
No, IDEAG is not a trade fair, and it’s not allowed to distribute promotional materials about published or crowdfunded games.
Please don’t display flyers, gadgets, banners, roll-ups, or any other promotional materials at your table.
Can I record videos during the event?
Personal videos are allowed.
Bloggers, vloggers, and journalists authorized by the organizers may also film during the event.
However, designers cannot set up fixed video equipment or do live streaming for promotional purposes.
I’m a designer — what’s the purpose of adding a Calendly or Google Calendar link?
When you register, you can add a Calendly or Google Calendar link.
These tools let publishers and playtesters book a time slot to meet you or try your game.
Over the years, publishers have told us they sometimes struggle to find designers at their tables — this tool helps solve that.
It’s meant as a convenience for publishers and bloggers — not as an obligation for you to chase meetings.
Some publishers love it; others may not use it.
Don’t worry if you don’t get appointments — there’s always a chance to meet people while walking around or during breaks!
I lost or deleted the email with my prototype link — what can I do?
First, make sure ideag@saz-italia.it is saved in your email contacts, and check your spam folder or any filters.
All IDEAG communications come from that address — so it’s crucial to receive those emails.
If you still can’t find the message, email ideag@saz-italia.it and let us know which message you missed.
We’ll resend it as soon as possible.
Can a publisher book a table to test one of their in-development games?
Game Designers working on a game for a publisher can book a table in their own name to test prototypes — whether the game is under contract or still in development.
However, publishers themselves must register as Publishers if they plan to conduct scouting or selection activities.
As a playtester, can I attend the Friday training panels?
Absolutely!
Panels are open to everyone — just remember to book your seat in advance, as spots are limited.
Can my underage child attend IDEAG on January 9–11?
Of course!
Everyone is welcome at IDEAG.
To participate, your child must register as a Playtester.
Please note that parents are responsible for ensuring the games their children try are appropriate for their age and sensitivity.
When will I receive the discount voucher for Premio Archimede 2027?
The hosts of Premio Archimede, an Italian game design contest, recognize IDEAG’s importance by offering a discount voucher to all participants of IDEAG 2026 and 2027.
The voucher will be sent automatically by February 28, 2028 to all registered participants who attended IDEAG 2026.