Essential Video Game News: October 2018

Key insights

6 takeaways

01
The French video game industry generated 4.3 billion euros in 2017, marking an 18% year-over-year growth driven by a 23% increase in the console ecosystem and a 22% rise in mobile gaming.See it on page 9
02
Gaming is a mainstream activity in France, with 74% of the population playing games and the average regular gamer being 39 years old for men and 37 for women.See it on page 4
03
The Union of Video Game Publishers (SELL) promotes the PEGI rating system, which is currently used by 65% of French adults to monitor and guide their children's gaming habits.See it on page 22
04
Paris Games Week serves as a primary industry driver, attracting 340,000 visitors in 2017 to showcase new hardware and software.See it on page 20
05
Market performance data is standardized through a collaborative framework involving GSD, GameTrack, and App Annie to track both physical and digital sales.See it on page 8
06
Industry advocacy efforts include educational initiatives like PédaGoJeux and GameCode, which are designed to improve digital literacy and promote safe online environments.See it on page 16

Summary

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the French video game industry as of October 2018, detailing consumer profiles, market performance, and the regulatory efforts led by the Union of Video Game Publishers (SELL). Based on a survey of 2,856 French web users conducted by Médiamétrie, the findings illustrate that gaming is a mainstream leisure activity, with 74% of the population playing at least occasionally. The average age of regular gamers is 39 for men and 37 for women, with mobile devices, consoles, and PCs serving as the primary platforms.

The industry experienced significant growth in 2017, reaching a turnover of 4.3 billion euros, an 18% increase over the previous year. This expansion was driven by strong performance across all sectors, including a 23% increase in the console ecosystem and a 22% rise in mobile gaming. Market data is synthesized through a collaborative framework involving GSD, GameTrack, and App Annie, ensuring a standardized view of physical and digital sales across various platforms.

A central theme of the industry’s strategy is the promotion of responsible gaming. SELL emphasizes the importance of the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) rating system, which is utilized by 65% of adults to guide their children’s gaming habits. Furthermore, the organization supports educational initiatives such as PédaGoJeux and GameCode to foster digital literacy and safe online environments.

Finally, the report highlights the role of Paris Games Week as a flagship event for the sector. The 2017 edition attracted 340,000 visitors, serving as a critical venue for showcasing new hardware and software while strengthening community engagement. Through these events and ongoing advocacy, SELL continues to position video games as a vital, innovative, and culturally significant industry within France.