Convention - Paris Games Week 2025 : a reinvented edition that won the hearts of visitors

By Mulder, Paris, Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, Pavillons 1 et 2.2,, 02 november 2025

This year, Paris Games Week 2025 reaffirmed its position as the ultimate French celebration of gaming and digital entertainment, but with a daring twist. Instead of relying solely on the tried-and-true formula of console demos and brand showcases, the event transformed into a full-blown cultural festival. Between October 30 and November 2, the halls of Paris Expo Porte de Versailles pulsed with a new energy — immersive installations, live concerts, esports battles, and unexpected collaborations between artists and gamers. It wasn’t just another convention; it was a manifesto for how gaming now sits at the crossroads of culture, technology, and performance art.

Over 180 exhibitors, 80 represented brands, and more than 150 playable games filled the sprawling halls 1 and 2.2. Major publishers stood alongside fresh newcomers like NCsoft and Battlestate Games, bringing both prestige and curiosity to the mix. Mobile gaming took center stage too, with the explosive presence of Supercell, whose titles Brawl Stars and Clash Royale drew long queues from loyal players eager to test upcoming updates. Visitors didn’t just consume games—they experienced them, often for the first time worldwide. From developers chatting casually with fans to influencers livestreaming every moment, there was a constant hum of discovery. The Paris Games Week 2025 wasn’t just showing the future of gaming—it was living it.

A central highlight was the Game France Pavilion, supported by the Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée (CNC), showcasing 31 French companies and 40 playable games, several in world premiere. The booth stood as a beacon of local creativity, reminding visitors that France remains one of Europe’s powerhouses of innovation. The crowd favorite? The kinetic, high-energy experiences brought by EVA and FCC (Fast Close Combat). These attractions, blending physical performance and virtual reality, became the social hubs of the show, with lines stretching endlessly as visitors queued for a taste of next-generation gameplay. It was a clever reflection of where gaming is headed—toward immersion that involves both mind and body.

The entertainment aspect reached new heights this year with 15 major stage shows blending esports, concerts, and live spectacles. The Dôme de Paris hosted four massive international competitions: the EMEA Masters (League of Legends), the Trackmania World Cup, the League of Legends Game Changers, and the Coupe de France Slash (Rocket League). Each final drew thousands of fans, the crowd erupting in synchronized chants and bursts of confetti that could rival any major sports event. And for the first time ever, the PGW extended into the night with three special evening events at the Dôme. The nocturnes mixed symphonic concerts with rap and pop performances, featuring comedians, streamers, and musical guests in an atmosphere that felt more like a festival than a trade show.

Among the key figures who helped shape this transformation was Bigflo, the French music star and self-professed gamer. Acting as a creative consultant for the event, Bigflo brought an artistic flair to the programming, ensuring music, humor, and gaming shared equal billing. His hand was visible everywhere—from the opening Paris Games Night to the Paris Game Master show and the PGW Festival, which featured Jolagreen23, Marianne, and a live concert by Bigflo and Oli. These moments turned the event into something more than an expo; it became a shared emotional space where art, entertainment, and gaming converged. For many attendees, this creative fusion represented the very spirit of PGW 2025—a celebration of imagination without boundaries.

The heartbeat of this edition, though, came from the nearly 1,000 content creators who filled every corner of the show. Figures like Inoxtag, Mastu, Locklear, Alphacast, Domingo, Doigby, LittleBigWhale, Kaatsup, Étoiles, and Cocottee didn’t just appear—they amplified the event. With live challenges, spontaneous meetups, and an infectious sense of playfulness, they embodied what modern gaming culture looks like: a blend of creativity, community, and chaos. In an age where influencers are the new rock stars, their presence transformed the PGW into a social arena where fans could interact directly with their digital idols.

Reflecting on this milestone year, James Rebours, President of the SELL, along with Nicolas Vignolles, General Delegate and Director of the Paris Games Week, Aurélien Binder, President of Fimalac Entertainment, Thomas Held, Managing Director of Fimalac Entertainment, and Damien Timperio, Managing Director of GL events Exhibitions, emphasized that this edition marks a turning point. “This 2025 edition ushers the PGW into a new era: an immersive cultural experience where video games converse with all forms of art and creation.” Their shared vision was clear: to evolve PGW into Europe’s most dynamic entertainment showcase—an intersection where the game industry meets music, humor, and performance in perfect harmony.

Ultimately, Paris Games Week 2025 succeeded because it dared to reinvent itself without losing its core. It honored gaming’s technical brilliance while embracing its cultural weight. It reminded everyone—from casual players to industry veterans—that video games are not just products; they’re living stories, shared rituals, and a form of modern art. As preparations for the 2026 edition already begin, expectations are sky-high. If 2025 was about transformation, 2026 may well be about transcendence.

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