France to host international video game festival, Macron announces

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to establish an international video game festival in France. Speaking at the Lumière Summit in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Macron described video games as a major creative form of the modern era, comparable to cinema and music.

Macron intends for the industry to be included under France’s ‘cultural exception’ policy, a framework used to protect and support national creative works. The proposed festival is envisioned as a global event for innovation, creators, and the industry, potentially rivaling major events like Gamescom or the Cannes Film Festival. While specific details regarding the date, location, and budget are not yet confirmed, some reports suggest Montpellier could host the event, possibly as early as 2027.

The initiative follows the international success of French titles such as ‘Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’ by Sandfall Interactive. The French gaming sector is a significant economic driver, comprising approximately 575 development studios and generating an annual turnover of roughly 4 billion euros.