Convention - PGW 2023: a next level that reflects 50 years of videogame heritage

By Mulder, 27 october 2023

Today, video games have established themselves as an essential part of everyday life, with over 70% of the French population indulging in the pleasure of gaming, either occasionally or on a more regular basis. However, video games are much more than just a pastime: they are also an art form and a culture with over 50 years of fascinating history.

From November 1 to 5, 2023, Paris Games Week, in its Next Level edition, will offer video game enthusiasts a unique opportunity to celebrate the world of gaming, past and present. It will also allow visitors to embark on a nostalgic journey through five decades of videogame heritage.

The MO5 association, which has been committed to the IT and cultural preservation of video games and consoles since 2003, will be celebrating its twentieth anniversary with a promise to thrill the hearts of PGW visitors, whether long-time nostalgics or neophytes.

With a 400 m² space dedicated to retrogaming, MO5 will invite visitors to (re)discover the evolution of video games, from the first microcomputers to the iconic home consoles. Leading figures from the world of video games will be on hand to share their passion and lead debates, enriching this celebration. Visitors will be able to reminisce and share unique moments, competing against their peers on legendary games such as Saturn Bomberman, Mario Kart Double Dash, Mario Strikers and PowerStone.

A highlight of the event for retrogaming enthusiasts will be the first auction of its kind at PGW, during which several lots including old consoles and collector's games will be offered for purchase. Collectors will have the opportunity to get their hands on real treasures from videogame history.

Practical information:
- From November 1 to 4, a selection of exceptional lots will be on display in the BnF-Agrasc exhibition area, hall 2.2 (stand 2.2C12).
- On Sunday November 5, from 8.30am to 9.30am, the public will be able to discover the 93 lots offered for sale in the "Espace 2000" room - Hall 1.
- The auction begins at 10am.
- Visitors wishing to attend on site can reserve their place via this link: here
- Visitors wishing to participate remotely can register via this link: here
- Please note that an admission ticket for the day of Sunday November 5 is required to access the on-site sales: Admission Ticket

The Bibliothèque nationale de France, guardian of cultural memory since the introduction of legal deposit in 1537, ensures the conservation and restoration of millions of documents, from books and manuscripts to prints and photographs. Among its treasures, the BnF holds the largest public collection of video games in France, comprising over 20,000 titles, from the earliest video game sketches to the most sought-after contemporary titles.

As part of Paris Games Week, BnF will be offering workshops and conferences led by researchers and industry professionals. They will explore the efforts and challenges involved in preserving video game heritage, the societal impact of video games on society, and many other exciting topics.

In Pavilion 2, BnF will also be presenting a dozen works from the photo exhibition "Attraction virale du jeu vidéo" by Odile Gine, winner of the Ministry of Culture's major commission for photojournalism. These portraits of French gamers offer an intimate insight into the world of gamers, reflecting the diversity of this community.

Videogame art will be in the spotlight through PGW's official art gallery. Led by artist collective ARTtitude, this exhibition will feature 40 exclusive works that bring gaming to life on canvas, paper and even walls. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness the live creation of artistic frescoes inspired by the video game on Thursday, November 2.

Finally, for those wishing to take home a unique souvenir, ARTtitude's customization workshop will enable them to personalize an object of their choice with the help of a member of the collective.

For its 2023 edition, Paris Games Week promises to be a unifying event, a bridge between generations that brings together yesterday's video game enthusiasts and today's curious. It celebrates a shared videogame heritage and offers an immersive experience of videogame culture.

(Source : press release)