Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo

Annual Barometer of the Video Game Industry in France 2021

The 2021 Annual Barometer of the Video Game Industry in France provides a comprehensive analysis of the sector’s economic health, employment trends, and production landscape. Conducted between May and June 2021 through an online survey of 1,200 qualified entities, the research captures a representative snapshot of the French video game ecosystem, which is primarily composed of development studios, publishers, and service providers. The study highlights the industry's resilience and growth despite the challenges posed by the global health crisis. Key findings indicate that the French video game sector remains highly productive, with approximately 1,350 games in development during 2021, 92% of which are original creations. The industry is characterized by a strong focus on independent production, with 77% of studios identifying as indie developers. Financially, while the sector shows promise—with 20% of studios reporting annual revenues exceeding €1 million—the landscape remains fragile, as 36.5% of studios reported a deficit in 2020, the highest level since 2014. Despite this, the industry maintains a positive outlook, with 89% of respondents expressing confidence in their company’s future and 94% remaining optimistic about the broader French video game market. Employment remains a cornerstone of the industry, which continues to prioritize permanent contracts, with 80% of salaried positions held as CDI. The workforce is increasingly diverse, with female representation reaching 22%. Furthermore, the sector benefits from robust institutional support, as 41% of companies utilize regional funding and many rely on the national video game tax credit. France is currently ranked as the second most attractive country for video game development globally, trailing only the United States, reflecting the sector's strong international standing and continued potential for expansion.