Paris Games Week: Uniting Southern European Studios and Embracing Pop Culture

The 2023 edition of Paris Games Week is set to take place in November, with the event's organisers, SELL, seeking to build on the success of last year's 'Restart' edition. This year's event, dubbed 'Next level', promises to deliver a more extensive experience, with a focus on gaming culture and related sectors. SELL's general delegate, Nicolas Vignolles, explains that the event will feature a larger local showcase, with a greater emphasis on engagement with the gaming community and related media. The event will also reach out to streaming platforms, anime and manga specialists, esports and cosplay companies, and the broader pop culture scene. A key objective is to provide attendees with hands-on experience with yet-to-be-released games, and to create a rich and immersive experience. SELL is keen to position Paris Games Week as a premier event in the gaming calendar, particularly in the run-up to Christmas. The event's organisers are aware of the challenges posed by the shift towards digital events, but remain committed to the value of physical experiences. Vignolles notes that the event's positioning is a strength, and that it can capitalise on its DNA as a physical event to promote products to the public and provide a unique experience. The 2023 edition will also see the return of the Business Convention Game Connection, which will run alongside Paris Games Week. SELL is seeking to develop the event's B2B aspect, with a focus on building connections between studios in Southern Europe. Discussions are already underway with local trade bodies and organisations, with the aim of creating a hub for the region's gaming industry. The goal is to create a platform for studios to showcase their talents and connect with investors and other industry professionals. With a target attendance of between 200,000 and 250,000, SELL is hopeful that the event will continue to grow and evolve, with a greater emphasis on pop culture and gaming culture.