Video games are a hit in France, bringing together more and more families and friends around a shared passion. The latest SELL study has just revealed some interesting numbers about French players.
As Paris Games Week approaches, an event eagerly awaited by video game fans, SELL (Syndicat des Éditeurs de Software de Loisirs) has revealed the results of its annual study conducted by Médiamétrie, entitled “The French and the Video Game”.
A new SELL study reveals the extent of the importance of video games in the daily lives of the French, placing them as one of their main cultural activities. It now affects all generations, no less and no more 39.1 million players. Here is everything you need to remember from studying.
Also read – Video games help reduce stress and feelings of isolation, according to this research
39.1 million French people play video games
According to the SELL study, video games have become the favorite digital leisure activity of the French, affecting all age groups, from the youngest to the oldest. With a record number of 39.1 million players aged 10 and over, compared to 37 million in 2022, more than 7 out of 10 French people (ie 72%) play video games at least occasionally. More than half of them (54%) play regularly, at least once a week.
One of the most interesting data is gender parity. Really, 52% are men and 48% are women. Even among regular players, the distribution is relatively balanced, with 53% men and 47% women.
Video games are particularly popular among young people, with 93% of children aged 10-14 playing them, and almost 9 out of 10 young adults (or 89% of French aged 15-24) also being fans. In addition, the average age of the players might surprise you. It would be located at 40 years, with almost 7 in 10 adults (or 69%) playing. Seniors are not left out, because 49% of them say that they play, which represents 19% of the total number of players.
Most French people play video games every day
However, according to the figures collected by the study, French players do not only play from time to time. In fact, 1 in 2 players play at least once a day. This is revealed by the numbers 57% of French people play on a game console, whether portable or not. In addition, French players are not limited to one game genre or one platform. On average, they play three different game genres and use 2.2 different gaming platforms. Note, however, that 33% of respondents declared that they use 3 or more media, and 7% of respondents said that they use no less than 5 or more media. Many are therefore not limited to just one device.
The most popular game genres in France are casual and mobile games (34%)followed by role-playing and adventure games (28%), platform games (27%) and sports games (26%).
It seems that video games are not limited to simple entertainment, they would also be a source of professional inspiration for many French people. 16% of French people between the ages of 10 and 80 have considered a career in the video game industry, with a clearly higher percentage among young people.
In 2023, video games are strengthening their role as vectors of sociability for the French. 69% of them say they play video games to share a friendly moment, and a growing majority (63% of French, +3 points compared to 2022) consider video games a positive activity.
While solo play is still popular, collaborative play is gaining in importance. 61% of players (+1 point compared to 2022) participate in multiplayer games, online or physically, a particularly pronounced trend among the younger generation. Moreover, this practice unsurprisingly contributes to the creation of new friendships and a sense of belonging to the community. 32% of respondents said that video games helped them make friends, and 89% found this community to be “benevolent and welcoming” (but have they ever played League of Legends?).
Your parents are becoming more and more interested in video games
Video games also seem to be played within the family, 69% of parents say they play with their children, at least occasionally. In addition, 68% of parents closely monitor their children’s video game playing.
In a family environment, video games are not only a source of entertainment, but also played responsibly. 94% of parents know about the PEGI rating, which helps them choose age-appropriate games for their children. 72% of parents who buy video games consider this classification when making a purchase.
We can also note that 42% of the French say they bought a video game in the last 12 months, and that 72% still prefer the physical format. This, therefore, confirms Ubisoft’s claim that physical games aren’t going away anytime sooneven if it is huge store chains have already announced the cessation of selling games on their shelves.
Regardless, the SELL study reveals that France is deeply rooted in video game culture. With 39.1 million players, there’s no doubt that French people of all ages are addicted. Men, women, children, adults, It is clear that now everyone can find what they are looking for.
source: SELL
