ReportSyndicat National du Jeu Vidéo
The Video Game Industry in France: 2020 Edition Economic Context and Production
1 Jan 20203 pages~3 min full read
The French video game industry comprises over 1,130 establishments, with development studios representing 50% of the sector and service/technology providers accounting for 42%.
See it on page 1The industry demonstrates a strong commitment to original content, with 63% of the 530 titles marketed in 2019 based on new intellectual properties.
See it on page 2Employment is characterized by stability and growth, with 75% of the workforce on permanent contracts and projections for 800 to 1,200 new jobs created by the end of 2019.
See it on page 2Gender diversity remains a significant industry challenge, as women and non-binary individuals make up only 16% of the total workforce and women hold just 11% of management positions.
See it on page 2The sector benefits from a robust talent pipeline, evidenced by a 26% growth in student enrollment and a 50% placement rate for graduates within the industry one year after completion.
See it on page 2The market landscape is balanced between new and established entities, with 19% of development studios founded in the last five years and another 19% operating for over a decade.
See it on page 1The French video game industry demonstrates robust entrepreneurial momentum and a strong focus on production, characterized by a diverse ecosystem of over 1,130 establishments. The sector is primarily composed of development studios, which account for 50% of industry entities, followed by service and technology providers at 42%, publishers at 6%, and distributors at 2%. This landscape is marked by a youthful demographic, with 19% of development studios having been established within the last five years, while another 19% have operated for over a decade.
Production output remains stable, with 530 titles marketed in 2019 and a significant pipeline of projects in development. Notably, 63% of these titles are based on new intellectual properties, reflecting a strong commitment to original content. Employment trends are equally positive, with 75% of employees working under permanent contracts. The industry is actively expanding, with projections indicating the creation of 800 to 1,200 new jobs by the end of 2019. Despite this growth, gender diversity remains a challenge, as women and non-binary individuals comprise only 16% of the workforce, with women holding just 11% of management roles.
The findings are based on a comprehensive survey conducted between June and September 2019, targeting 1,131 industry entities, including both members and non-members of the French Video Game Trade Association. The data highlights a strong educational pipeline, with a 26% growth in student enrollment and a high placement rate, as one in two graduates secures employment within the video game sector within a year. These metrics underscore the industry's role as a vital economic engine, supported by a specialized talent pool and a clear focus on sustainable, long-term production.
