Because there is more to life than Summer Game Fest, GamesCom and the Tokyo Game Show, the great French celebration of video games, Paris Games Week, was inaugurated in 2010. The show “made in France” welcomed more than 315,000 visitors in 2019, with an event spread over more than 80,000 m2. After two cancellations in 2020 and 2021, the show returned in 2022, although with a sharp drop in attendance (150,000 visitors), while in 2023, the show regained color (and surface area) by attracting more 180,000 curious people. Regarding the 2024 edition, which has just ended, the organizers were aiming for the milestone of 200,000 visitors.
188,000 visitors for Paris Games Week 2024
From October 23 to 27, 2024, the largest French video game show, Paris Games Week, was held at Porte de Versailles (Paris Expo). For this 13th edition, the PGW displayed a new ambition, that of offering the best experience bringing together gaming, cosplay, pop culture, and esports, but also cinema, music and sport.
It was the #PGW2024 ! THANK YOU 🫶 pic.twitter.com/gfb8D1q2V4
— Paris Games Week (@ParisGamesWeek) October 27, 2024
A “360° entertainment experience” therefore, which however did not succeed in reaching the objective of 200,000 visitors set by the organization of this PGW 2024. On the side of the organizers, we explain: “In a particular post-Covid context for the industry, the show was able to maintain sustained attendance with 188,000 visitors and the presence of industry majors.”
More than 228 brands represented (including the “Big 3”)
For this 2024 edition, the organizers of Paris Games Week obviously welcomed many professionals from the sector. In total, 228 brands came to defend their projects in the aisles of the show. Props makers, publishers, developers of course, but also the three console manufacturers.
Indeed, the three market players, namely Nintendo, Xbox and PlayStation, were indeed present at this Paris Games Week 2024. The opportunity for many visitors to discover environments dedicated to their favorite universes, and get close to very near the latest news, but also some upcoming titles. Among the publishers, Bandai Namco was there, as were Ubisoft and Capcom.
A stand dedicated… to the national gendarmerie!
During this Paris Games Week 2024, on stand 072, located in hall 1, in aisle H, we could find… the national gendarmerie. Indeed, in order to raise awareness among the (young) public present during the show, the gendarmes made themselves accessible by numerous means.
🚗🎮Test a driving simulator, challenge the #Gendarmes in 3v3 on #RocketLeague and find out how to better protect your data online!
Come to the stand of the @gendarmerie for a unique experience! 🚔#DigitalSecurity #Prevention #PGW pic.twitter.com/wMviScRpBT
— Paris Games Week (@ParisGamesWeek) October 23, 2024
Visitors were notably able to immerse themselves in the heart of a rapid intervention team (ERI) vehicle via a cylinder simulator and the Assetto Corsa game, without forgetting a tactical simulator (SIMUGEND 3D), designed for simulation of various scenarios, and prepare tactical courses, in addition of course to field training.
On the gaming side, visitors could also take part in three-on-three challenges, obviously facing police from the GameGend association, on the games Rocket League, Rainbow Six Siege or even XDefiant!
Towards “the leading show for 18-35 year olds” by 2030?
For this 2024 edition, Paris Games Week has broadened its horizons to sport, but also to cosplay, with an ever-increasing share. By 2030, the show wants to position itself as a leader for 18-35 year olds. The show also aims to position itself as a lever for training and new video game professions. From marketing to influence to game creation, more and more professionals in the sector will share their experiences and advice to turn a passion for some into a real profession.
🏀 Basketball is in the spotlight during this #PGW !
Meet in Hall 3 – Esport & Sport Village. Ready for a 3×3? 🔥 pic.twitter.com/U1oSeu9kdL— Paris Games Week (@ParisGamesWeek) October 24, 2024
Thus, in addition to video game publishers and studios, Paris Games Week aims to host major esports competitions, but also lifestyle and entertainment players, in order to bring together an ever-increasing audience. To this are obviously added “guests”, notably content creators and other influencers of all kinds, who come one after the other for showcases, competitions, and exclusive meetings.