Essential Video Game News: French Market Report 2020

Key insights

6 takeaways

01
The French video game market reached €5.3 billion in 2020, representing an 11.3% year-over-year revenue increase driven by pandemic-related engagement.See it on page 15
02
Mobile gaming led sector growth at 16%, followed by console at 10% and PC at 9%, while physical retail sales showed resilience with only a 3.2% decline.See it on page 7
03
Hardware demand surged significantly, highlighted by a 20% increase in the PC segment.See it on page 7
04
Nintendo emerged as the leading publisher by value in 2020, supported by the sustained market performance of the Switch platform.See it on page 19
05
The French player base reached 36.46 million individuals with an average age of 39 and a nearly equal gender distribution.See it on page 24
06
While 88% of parents recognize the importance of the PEGI rating system, only 37% actively utilize built-in parental control tools despite 66% of parents gaming with their children.See it on page 34

Summary

The French video game market reached a historic milestone in 2020, generating €5.3 billion in revenue. This 11.3% year-over-year increase was primarily fueled by heightened player engagement during the global pandemic, which accelerated growth across all major ecosystems. Mobile gaming led the expansion with a 16% rise, followed by console and PC sectors at 10% and 9% respectively. While digital distribution and micro-transactions maintained their upward trajectory, physical retail sales remained surprisingly resilient, experiencing only a marginal 3.2% decline.

Market performance was anchored by high-profile releases such as Assassin's Creed Valhalla and The Last of Us Part II, while Nintendo secured its position as the leading publisher by value, bolstered by the sustained popularity of the Switch platform. Hardware demand also surged, particularly within the PC segment, which saw a 20% increase. Action and sports titles dominated the market by volume, reflecting the diverse preferences of a player base that reached 36.46 million individuals. This demographic is characterized by an average age of 39 and a nearly equal gender distribution, spanning a spectrum of engagement levels from casual players to dedicated tech enthusiasts.

Industry stakeholders continue to prioritize consumer safety and education, particularly regarding younger audiences. With 66% of parents actively participating in gaming alongside their children, the adoption of protective measures remains a focal point. While 88% of parents acknowledge the importance of the PEGI rating system, active utilization of built-in parental control tools stands at 37%. Organizations like the Union of Video Game Publishers remain central to this landscape, fostering industry growth while promoting responsible gaming habits through initiatives like the PédaGoJeux resource and major public events.