SELL Wants to Transform Paris Games Week into a Multi-Site Event Like the Olympic Games

With 188,000 visitors for this 2024 edition, the Paris Games Week continues to struggle to regain its pre-COVID attendance levels (317,000 visitors in 2019). The current challenging context in the video game industry also hinders efforts by game publishers and manufacturers to promote the event. Notably, Sony Interactive Entertainment’s limited presence, focusing solely on an Astro Bot experience, along with the absence of Square Enix and Electronic Arts this year, contributed to noticeably less crowded aisles compared to previous years. The SELL, the event organizer, has acknowledged these challenges and will consider changes for future editions. In an interview with France Info, Nicolas Vignolles (general delegate of the SELL and Paris Games Week organizer) suggested rethinking the format of the event, envisioning a model inspired by the Olympic Games, where a single ticket would grant access to multiple venues across Paris.

Video games require recognition and should be placed at the forefront. As one of the leading creative and cultural industries both globally and in France, it is essential that video games receive due acknowledgment. My goal for PGW (Paris Games Week) is to elevate its prominence. We must collaborate, maintain an open mindset, and consider innovative approaches. It is likely that we will need to evolve from the traditional format of PGW. The event requires renewal and reimagining. I envision a more dynamic structure, possibly challenging but desirable, involving a multi-site ticket system for four or five days, providing access to several venues in Paris, with the city showcasing video game and pop culture elements prominently.

The 2024 Paris Games Week (PGW), which welcomed 188,000 visitors compared to the pre-COVID count of 317,000 in 2019, faces significant challenges. Major publishers such as Sony Interactive Entertainment, Square Enix, and Electronic Arts are notably absent this year. In response, Nicolas Vignolles, the general delegate of PGW organizer SELL, proposes a radical restructuring inspired by the Olympic Games model. This would involve distributing the event across multiple venues in Paris with a multi-site ticket system for several days, aiming to elevate video games as a leading creative and cultural industry globally and within France. Meanwhile, it is noted that Minister of Culture Rachida Dati has provided strong support for the sector through reinforcing the video game tax credit, an essential economic pillar for France’s gaming industry development. Her stance on promoting business attractiveness has been highly valued by professionals in the field. Former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal also visited the event and tested games such as Dragon Ball Sparking Zero, which he humorously referred to as “chicken,” reflecting his understanding of contemporary cultural codes.

About the Author

Bruno Pferd

Author

Author's posts