Emmanuel Macron Announced New Video Game Festival in France

September 9, 2026 - 09:51

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced the creation of a new international video game festival, set to take place in France. The news came during his appearance at the Lumière Summit, where he cited the recent success of the French-developed title Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as a key inspiration behind the initiative. The festival aims to spotlight the country's growing influence in interactive entertainment and to bring together developers, publishers, and players from around the world.

While specific dates and a host city have not yet been confirmed, Macron described the event as a way to celebrate both artistic creativity and technological innovation. He stressed that video games have become a major cultural force, comparable to cinema and literature, and that France should have a flagship event to match its production talent. The announcement was met with a positive reaction from industry insiders, many of whom see it as a long-overdue recognition of the sector's economic and cultural weight.

The festival is expected to feature showcases, playable demos, panels with leading creators, and awards for standout projects. It will likely aim to fill a gap between existing events like Paris Games Week and the more industry-focused Game Developers Conference. For now, the president's office says further details will be shared in the coming months, with an official launch planned for 2026.