Convention - Paris Games Week 2024 : France’s Largest Gaming Expo Reaches New Heights in a 13th Edition

By Mulder, Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, 22 october 2024

“Paris Games Week continues to evolve to keep pace with the changing face of video games. Our mission goes far beyond organizing a trade show: we are a catalyst that unites communities, professionals and institutions around the diversity of our industry. A stronger brand than ever, PGW has forged an emotional bond with French gamers. It is the unique place where passion and creation, popular culture and innovation meet. This year's success means we must continue to evolve, and we're already working hard to do so. - James Rebours, SELL President

Paris Games Week 2024 (PGW) has returned to Porte de Versailles in full force, celebrating a monumental 13th edition that highlights the evolving nature of the gaming industry while firmly retaining its place as France's premier gaming event. From October 22, visitors from all walks of life gathered to experience the latest in gaming, pop culture, and immersive entertainment. 

The show’s attendance echoed this sentiment with a remarkable 188,000 visitors flooding the halls, solidifying Paris Games Week’s standing as a post-COVID success story in an industry eager for in-person engagement. This year's event marked a historic high for PGW, hosting 228 prominent brands on its bustling floor. Industry heavyweights like Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, Bandai Namco, Capcom, Focus Entertainment Publishing, Microids, PLAION, Riot Games, SEGA, and Ubisoft were all present, enhancing the event's allure with immersive experiences, exclusive demos, and a wealth of playable games just in time for the holiday season.

The post-COVID era has made the tangible experience of gaming more meaningful for enthusiasts, and Paris Games Week stands as the perfect testament to this enduring enthusiasm. For both casual and dedicated players, PGW provides an opportunity to test new releases, interact with fellow gamers, and feel a sense of community that virtual gaming alone cannot replicate. The physical gathering has become a vital space for those who connect online throughout the year, offering a chance for fans and creators alike to meet, discuss, and bond over shared passions in person.

In addition to its focus on gaming, Paris Games Week 2024 has embraced a growing diversity in entertainment through themed areas that celebrate various facets of pop culture. This year, the Esport & Sport Village and the Manga Quarter highlighted the evolving interests of today’s gaming audiences, who often intersect with fan communities for sports and anime. These themed zones immersed attendees in interactive environments and drew substantial attention to the convergence of gaming with broader cultural touchpoints. Cosplay, a mainstay of PGW, flourished this year, transforming the event into a veritable temple of self-expression and creativity. Cosplayers came out in record numbers, filling the aisles with vivid costumes and creating a captivating spectacle that lent itself as much to the overall experience as the gaming booths themselves.

For the first time, PGW 2024 took a decisive step towards professional engagement with an expanded B2B focus. Recognizing the strategic importance of fostering industry discourse, the “Future of Gaming” stage was created in collaboration with CMS Francis Lefebvre, a prominent law firm, and the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo. This stage, along with the new Business VIP area, has elevated Paris Games Week into a key rendezvous for professionals in the sector. The events featured nearly fifty hours of roundtables, keynotes, and networking sessions that explored the industry's crucial issues—from current challenges to the explosive growth of esports, investments, and the need for expanded training pathways in the gaming field.

One of the highlights of this professional track was the "Invest in France" day, an initiative aimed at showcasing France's favorable environment for gaming industry investments. This day drew keen interest from investors and stakeholders across the gaming ecosystem, reinforcing France’s position as an attractive hub for game development and business growth. Rachida Dati, the French Minister of Culture, further bolstered the event by delivering a compelling speech in support of the gaming sector. She highlighted the government's commitment to maintaining the video game tax credit, a significant financial tool that enables many French developers to sustain and grow their projects. Her pro-investment message was warmly received by industry professionals, who see this credit as a crucial factor in enabling the French gaming industry’s competitive edge on the global stage.

Beyond its traditional role, Paris Games Week 2024 has demonstrated its adaptability and growth by integrating these new facets and showcasing an environment where passion, creativity, and business intertwine. The event continues to be a place where industry giants and indie developers alike can connect with fans, while also offering valuable insights and resources for those looking to dive deeper into the professional side of gaming.

This year’s Paris Games Week has set a new standard, proving that France’s most iconic gaming event is capable of evolving with the times while maintaining its role as a cherished fixture for fans and an essential platform for the gaming industry at large. The groundwork for future editions has already been laid, with organizers committed to pushing boundaries and making each PGW an even more dynamic celebration of gaming culture, industry innovation, and community spirit.

Photos et vidéo : Boris Colletier / Mulderville