Paris Games Week: What to Expect in 2024

Paris Games Week (PGW) has grown to become one of Europe's premier gaming events, rivaling Gamescom in Germany and EGX in the UK. As the 2024 edition approaches this October, the French gaming community is buzzing with anticipation. In this article, we'll preview what attendees can expect from this year's event, with a special focus on the vibrant indie scene that will be showcased.

Paris Games Week 2024: The Essentials

Before diving into the details, here are the key facts about this year's Paris Games Week:

• Dates: October 23-27, 2024
• Location: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
• Expected Attendance: Over 350,000 visitors
• Exhibitors: More than 200 companies from across the gaming industry
• Special Focus: "French Touch" indie games showcase

Now in its 14th year, PGW has established itself as not just a showcase for international publishers, but a vital platform for the French gaming industry to present its latest innovations to a global audience.

Major Publishers and Anticipated Announcements

While PGW isn't traditionally where the biggest publishers make their major announcements (those are usually reserved for E3, Gamescom, or publisher-specific events), the 2024 edition is expected to feature significant presence from industry leaders:

Ubisoft: Hometown Showcase

As France's gaming giant, Ubisoft always maintains a substantial presence at PGW. This year, they're expected to showcase:

• Playable demos of "Assassin's Creed Shadows," releasing just before the event
• New content for "Star Wars Outlaws"
• Possible teaser for the next "Watch Dogs" title, rumored to be set in Paris
• Updates on "Beyond Good and Evil 2," the long-awaited sequel being developed in Montpellier

Other Major Publishers

While specific plans haven't been confirmed for all publishers, attendees can expect significant booths from:

• Sony: Showcasing PlayStation 5 Pro capabilities and upcoming exclusive titles
• Microsoft: Xbox ecosystem and Game Pass offerings
• Nintendo: Switch 2 demonstrations, if the console has been officially announced by then
• Bandai Namco: Always a strong presence at PGW due to anime gaming popularity in France
• Focus Entertainment: The French publisher will highlight their upcoming titles

The "French Touch" Indie Showcase

The highlight of PGW 2024 for many industry insiders will be the expanded "French Touch" pavilion, dedicated to showcasing the best of French indie game development. This year's showcase will be the largest ever, with over 80 indie studios presenting their projects.

Standout Indie Studios to Watch

Several French indie developers are generating significant buzz ahead of the event:

• Sloclap: Following the success of "Sifu," they're expected to unveil their next project
• Dontnod Entertainment: The "Life is Strange" creators will showcase their new narrative adventure
• Motion Twin: Potential reveal of a follow-up to their hit roguelike "Dead Cells"
• Splashteam: Their highly anticipated "Tchia" sequel may be playable
• Midgar Studio: New RPG project following "Edge of Eternity"

Rising Stars: First-Time Exhibitors

PGW has a strong track record of spotlighting emerging talent. These up-and-coming studios will be making their PGW debut:

• Lunar Owl Games: A Lyon-based studio showcasing "Nebula Drift," an atmospheric space exploration game
• Atelier Sentô: Bringing their hand-painted narrative adventure "The Bookbinder"
• Studio Black Flag: Presenting "Orpheus," a music-driven puzzle platformer
• Sandfall Interactive: Their action RPG "Clair Obscur" combines French artistic traditions with soulslike gameplay
• Monsieur Studio: Debuting "Parisian Nights," a noir detective game set in 1950s Paris

Esports and Competitive Gaming

The esports section of PGW has grown substantially in recent years, reflecting France's emerging status as a major esports hub. The 2024 edition will feature:

• La Coupe de France de League of Legends: The finals will take place during the event
• Trackmania Grand League: Showcasing France's homegrown racing esport
• Street Fighter VI Paris Invitational: Featuring top international competitors
• Valorant France Open: The largest French tournament for Riot's tactical shooter

With teams like Karmine Corp and Vitality establishing France as a major player in European esports, PGW has become an important event on the competitive calendar.

Virtual Reality and New Technologies

PGW 2024 will feature an expanded "Future of Gaming" pavilion dedicated to emerging technologies:

VR and AR Innovations

The VR scene in France has been growing rapidly, with several notable developments expected at PGW:

• Lynx R-1: The French-made mixed reality headset will showcase its latest capabilities
• Ubisoft VR: Demonstrations of their upcoming VR titles
• Virtuals: A Parisian studio debuting their location-based VR experience "Catacombs"
• BackLight: Showcasing "Astrea: Six-Sided Oracles VR," an adaptation of their popular card game

AI and Procedural Generation

Several French studios are at the forefront of AI implementation in games:

• Spiders: Demonstrating their AI-driven narrative system for "GreedFall 2"
• Amplitude Studios: Showcasing procedural generation in their strategy games
• Alt Shift: Presenting their roguelike "Crying Suns" sequel with enhanced AI

Industry Conferences and Networking

Beyond the consumer-facing exhibits, PGW includes important B2B elements:

Game Connection Europe

Running alongside PGW, Game Connection is a major business event for the industry, featuring:

• Publishing and investment opportunities
• Developer pitching sessions
• One-on-one meetings between developers and publishers
• International business matchmaking

Conference Program

The PGW conference program will include sessions on:

• "The State of the French Gaming Industry in 2024"
• "International Publishing Strategies for Indie Developers"
• "Sustainable Game Development Practices"
• "Breaking into the Industry: Education and Opportunities"
• "Cultural Funding for Game Development in France"

Education and Career Opportunities

PGW has expanded its educational component in recent years, recognizing the importance of talent development for the French gaming industry:

Schools and Training Programs

Top French game development schools will be present, including:

• ISART Digital
• Gobelins
• ENJMIN
• Supinfogame Rubika
• ETPA

Career Fair

The PGW Career Fair will connect job seekers with studios that are actively hiring, including:

• Ubisoft's multiple French studios
• Quantic Dream
• Asobo Studio
• Dontnod Entertainment
• Focus Entertainment
• Numerous indie studios looking to expand

Practical Information for Attendees

If you're planning to attend PGW 2024, here are some essential details:

Tickets and Access

• Standard Day Pass: €25 (€20 early bird until September 15)
• Multi-Day Pass (all 5 days): €75 (€65 early bird)
• VIP Pass: €80 (includes fast-track entry, exclusive lounge access, and goodie bag)
• Family Pass (2 adults, 2 children): €70

Transportation and Accommodation

• Metro: Line 12 (Porte de Versailles station) is the most convenient access
• Tram: T2 and T3a also stop at Porte de Versailles
• Hotels: Book early, as accommodations near the venue fill up quickly
• Partner Hotels: PGW has arranged special rates with several nearby hotels

Conclusion: Why PGW 2024 Matters

Paris Games Week 2024 represents more than just another gaming convention—it's a celebration of France's growing influence in the global gaming industry. From AAA studios to innovative indies, from esports to educational institutions, PGW showcases the full spectrum of French gaming excellence.

For international visitors, it offers a unique window into a gaming culture that balances artistic creativity with technical innovation. For industry professionals, it provides valuable networking opportunities and insights into one of Europe's most dynamic gaming markets.

As France continues to establish itself as a major hub for game development, Paris Games Week serves as both a showcase for current achievements and a glimpse into the future of French gaming. Whether you're a dedicated gamer, an industry professional, or simply curious about this thriving creative sector, PGW 2024 promises to be an event worth experiencing.

Will you be attending Paris Games Week this year? Which studios or games are you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments below!