The Essentials of Video Games: The French and Video Games in 2025 (SELL (Syndicat des editeurs de logiciels de loisirs))

Summary

• The study was carried out by Médiamétrie for SELL among a sample of 4,001 individuals aged 10 to 80, representative of the French population.p.2
• France has a record 40 million video game players, with an average age of 40.p.5
• 73% of French people play at least occasionally, with an average weekly play time of 6 h 25.p.6
• Players combine on average 2.2 devices, with smartphones and consoles attracting similar shares of players (59% versus 58%).p.3
• 48% of French people use a console, up 2 points, and 76% of 10-30 year olds do.p.3
• 65% of players share their gaming practice, as multiplayer play grows strongly.p.3
• The average basket is 19 €/month for subscriptions and 119 €/year for purchases.p.8

Key insights

1. 44% of players are subscribed to a gaming platform (17.8 million), while 56% (22.3 million) are not.p.8
2. 43% of players bought video game content in the last 12 months.p.7
3. 52% of buyers prefer to buy in store, against 48% online.p.9
4. The top reasons that encourage purchase are the game's style and universe (39%) and the discounted price (37%).p.7
5. Among buyers who prefer physical games, 48% like the object and collecting.p.8
6. 88% of players say video games are a leisure activity for the whole family.p.9