Paris Games Biz showcased a guarded optimism in the face of turmoil, both locally and in the industry at large
Paris Games Biz reflected cautious optimism amid local unrest and industry challenges, with French studios relying on government funding to sustain smaller operations.
The Paris Games Biz event unfolded against a backdrop of civil unrest in central Paris, where shattered shopfronts and police presence framed discussions among publishers, investors, and developers. Despite the turmoil, the event proceeded without interruption, highlighting the industry’s resilience and the disconnect between local disturbances and professional gatherings. Attendees noted the heavy police presence but observed that law enforcement targeted specific groups, leaving games professionals unaffected. The contrast underscored broader industry challenges while maintaining a cautiously optimistic tone.
Conversations at the event emphasized cautious optimism, mirroring shifts seen at other industry gatherings like Develop Brighton. Many small French studios credited government funding initiatives with keeping their businesses afloat during difficult periods. The festival director, David Rabineau, highlighted that France’s tax relief cap of €6 million annually benefits indie studios but offers diminishing returns for larger studios exceeding 200 staff. Rabineau planned to advocate for increased support at Paris Games Week, stressing the fragility of the sector and its contributions to tax revenue.
Attendees engaged with investors and publishers including Kepler, Krafton, Tencent Games, and Kwalee, many of whom had been funded or mentored by local industry associations. The event also addressed the challenges faced by major French studios like Ubisoft, Nacon, and Arkane Lyon, with executives expressing confidence in Ubisoft’s ability to recover from past crises. Focus Entertainment’s Yves le Yaouanq noted Ubisoft’s history of resilience, citing upcoming projects like the next Assassin’s Creed as examples of innovation and risk-taking.
Marketing emerged as a key focus, with multiple studios seeking publishers solely for marketing support rather than investment or development. The Game Bakers’ Audrey Leprince presented data showing Cairn’s success was achieved with marketing spend representing just 9% of the total budget. Meanwhile, generative AI remained controversial, with smaller studios rejecting its use in development pipelines, while larger studios explored its potential for prototyping and concept development. The event concluded as attendees navigated the remnants of unrest en route to Paris Games Week, where concerns lingered about the absence of major exhibitors like Xbox.