The largest gaming expo in Europe, Paris Games Week, concluded on Sunday in the French capital. This annual event, which had taken a few years off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was held at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles in the southern part of the city.

Over the course of the last five days, an estimated 200,000 visitors flocked to the exhibition to witness the latest releases and technological advancements in the gaming industry. The sprawling expo hall hosted major players in the industry, including the three console manufacturers – Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony – along with numerous prominent game development companies. Ubisoft, a domestic company, prominently showcased its latest products alongside competitors like Bandai Namco, Capcom, and Square Enix.

Among the numerous interactive exhibits at PGW, gamers had the opportunity to test exciting upcoming titles, such as 'Final Fantasy VII Rebirth', scheduled for release in February 2024. Other tantalizing 2024 releases featured at the event included 'Tekken 8', a fighting game, and 'Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown.'

While not all the titles on display were still in development, this autumn witnessed a surge in blockbuster releases that visitors could experience. This included the latest installment in popular series like Ubisoft's 'Assassin's Creed Mirage', Nintendo's 'Super Mario Wonder', Activision's 'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3', and the highly anticipated 'Spider-Man 2' from Sony.

'Spider-Man 2' allowed players to once again step into the shoes of the iconic web-slinger as he traversed the dynamic and interactive landscape of New York City. Within the first 24 hours of its release at the end of October, the game had already sold more than 2.5 million copies, becoming the fastest-selling video game in the history of the PlayStation 5 console.

"I love the game to death!" exclaimed Dan Mazarin, a 13-year-old attendee who was thrilled to wear a Spider-Man t-shirt and pose for photos alongside statues of the Marvel series' two costumed heroes, Peter Parker and Miles Morales.

The current year marked a return to a more typical event for PGW after a smaller gathering in 2022 due to the pandemic. Post-pandemic, the gaming industry has shifted somewhat away from these large trade events. Many publishers now reveal their upcoming games during their own online events. As a result, the once-dominant E3 in Los Angeles chose to step aside this year.

However, popular gaming expos continue to thrive around the world, including the Tokyo Game Show and Gamescom in Germany, the second most popular European expo after PGW. These expos now focus on providing gamers with hands-on experiences of new titles and technology, rather than being exclusive platforms for major game announcements.

Nicolas Vignolles, the general delegate of the expo's organizers, emphasized that the focus is no longer on gigantism but on providing a successful experience for video game enthusiasts.

The expo's popularity with the public was evident as gamers poured into the Porte de Versailles with enthusiastic faces. The French government has also expressed its support for the event.

On Wednesday, the government voiced its support for extending the examination of the effectiveness of the video game tax credit, a significant public financing tool for the gaming industry in France, until 2026. French parliamentarians plan to assess the tax credit in 2025 to determine its effectiveness and impact.

French Minister of Economy, Bruno Le Maire, expressed his support for extending the tax credit, stating that he is in favor of providing more time and visibility to the video game industry in France.

The tax credit, in place since 2008, offers companies in the sector a 30% rate of eligible expenses for the production of a new game, subject to certain conditions. Video game unions in France have consistently advocated for the country, which ranks third in Europe in terms of turnover, to become a European leader in the gaming sector within five years, urging public authorities to make it an industrial priority.

To further support the economic growth of esports, Mr. Le Maire also announced that as of January 1, 2024, VAT on tickets for video game competitions would be aligned with that of concerts and sporting events.

A must-visit during your trip to Hall 1, the BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment booth awaits you with its share of activities, exclusives, and surprises! Don't forget to take a little selfie souvenir with Jin!  Who has already tried the new Tekken?

Congratulations to everyone for the work and hours spent to dazzle us! And you, which characters did you take photos with today?

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Already the last day of PGWNextLevel

Discover the trailer of the salon games or play Spiderman 2 on a 4K Sony projector, with 9.4.4 sound amplified by Denon on BowersAndWilkins speakers!

The Naruto Shippuden x ASICS stand offers you an immersion into a small Japanese village amidst cherry blossoms!

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Dive 200% into the world of Spiderman 2 at the PlayStation France booth! Step into the shoes of the web-slinger in the latest installment and explore various in-game settings for a complete immersion. And, whatever you do, don't leave without your souvenir photo alongside Peter and Miles!

From Forza Motorsport simulators to the Starfield cockpit, and the new Necrom expansion for Elder Scrolls, come explore the latest releases and enjoy a bunch of exclusives!

Kudos to you for the hours of hard work! And you, which cosplayer did you meet this year?

A new day begins at the Porte de Versailles with an incredible program. Who will be joining us today?

Donald Reignoux

Immersed in Nintendo's Booth where numerous surprises and exclusives await you!And pssst! Don't leave without your little memento from the Pokémon Scarlet x Violet photocall!

It seems like something is brewing at Porte de Versailles. 😏 

Only 2 days left until the grand video game celebration! Who will be joining the PGW?

Here's a sneak peek of what awaits:

Buckle up because Forza Motorsport is making its grand return after over six years of anticipation! With over 500 vehicles and 20 tracks, automotive simulation enthusiasts will be thrilled.

Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or a novice, don't miss Microsoft Flight Simulator. You'll have the chance to take control of an aircraft and soar through breathtaking landscapes ✈️.

Immerse yourself in Towerborne, which takes you on an epic and fun adventure.

Come and try out a multitude of games that are currently in or will be added to the Xbox Game Pass, including S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2 ☢️.

And to top it all off, Xbox has an INCREDIBLE STAGE with numerous activities and plenty of surprises!

For Mario fans and newcomers alike, Super Mario Bros. Wonder has surprises in store at every level. Let yourself be surprised at every corner of the Flower Kingdom.For trainers, adventure awaits in "The Turquoise Mask," the first part of the additional content for Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet. Explore the mysterious Septentria region and meet the Legendary Pokémon Ogerpon and its terrifying mask!

Dive into "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" as well, the long-awaited sequel to Breath of the Wild. Explore the fiery skies and uncover the secrets that await Link. 

Retro gaming enthusiasts are in for a treat with Nintendo Switch Online, offering over 100 titles from NES, Nintendo 64, and Gameboy Advance!And that's not all! Discover many more games to explore or rediscover!

Finally, don't miss the free tournaments on the big Nintendo stage!

We are thrilled to unveil the exclusive program featuring the biggest names in the gaming world who will make you experience this gaming adventure like never before on the grand PGW x Fnac stage!

Come and watch the Blizzcon opening ceremony on the main stage at PGW x Fnac with ZeratoR, Kao and KennyStream!

Explore the world of Starfield in the Xbox space: immersive spaceship cockpit, game stations, and a photo booth to capture your interstellar journey! But that's not all! Come and explore Tamriel with game stations dedicated to The Elder Scrolls Online.