From Paris to Seoul: the dynamic worlds of French & Korean gaming industries

The video game industry has become a global powerhouse, counting approximately 3.32 billion active gamers worldwide in 2024. This immense popularity underscores the cultural and economic significance of gaming today. Let's dive into the dynamic worlds of the French and South Korean video game sectors.

The historical development and market growth of the French gaming industry

France has a long and rich history in the video game industry. Video games first appeared in the mid-1970s, but the industry started to structure itself significantly through the 1980s and the 1990s. By the 1980s, French studios and publishers like Microïds, Infogrames, and Silmarils were renowned for their expertise. Many of these companies started with publishing before moving into game development. Known for their creativity and innovation in game design, early pioneers such as Infogrames (now Atari SA) and Ubisoft set the stage for a vibrant gaming culture.

In 2018, the French video game sector encompassed 958 economic players, including 496 studios and 53 publishers, employing nearly 11,900 people. With some of the most influential and successful video game companies in the world, France places itself as a powerhouse in the industry. Today, Ubisoft, is one of the largest game publishers globally, known for iconic franchises such as Assassin's Creed, Just Dance, and Far Cry. Other studios, including Arkane Studios, Quantic Dream, Asobo, Shiro Games, and Dontnod, play a significant role in the reputation of the French video game industry. The 2021 barometer from the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo (SNJV) highlighted that around 1,350 games were in production in France, reflecting the industry's dynamic nature.

The recognition of video games as a form of art in France has further elevated the industry's status. Events like the Paris Games Week and the Interactive & Digital Entertainment Festival celebrate the artistic and creative achievements of French game developers, fostering a sense of pride and appreciation for the sector. Also, the annual Pégase Awards, established in 2020, honor exceptional games and industry personalities, further solidifying the importance of video games in French culture. With market revenue exceeding 6 billion euros according to the 2023 report from the Syndicat des Éditeurs de Logiciels de Loisirs (SELL), the French video game industry sets an example for the rest of the world.

The recent arrival of Korean games in France

The origins of video games in South Korea can also be traced back to the 1980s with the introduction of arcade games and personal computers. However, it was in the late 1990s and early 2000s that South Korea truly emerged in the gaming sector. Today, the country is home to some of the most successful and influential game companies in the world. Notable among them are Nexon, Bluehole Studio, Smilegate, or Netmarble, companies that produced globally renowned games such as MapleStory, PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, Lost Ark and Lineage. South Korean developers are establishing numerous studios in Seoul, contributing to the country's cultural prominence and positioning it as a future key player in the industry.

South Korea's government has played a pivotal role in fostering the gaming industry, recognizing its potential as a major economic contributor. The establishment of the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) and the inclusion of gaming as part of the country's cultural export strategy have provided significant support to game developers and publishers. In 2024, the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, accounting for 8.7% of the government's overall budget, mentioned that they “expanded the budget for supporting industries related to Hallyu to KRW 27.4 billion” and these industries include video games.

Recently, Korean video games have gained significant popularity in France and worldwide. Historically, South Korean games struggled to gain a broad foothold in the Western world. However, the landscape changed dramatically with the release of PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) in 2017, which became one of the most popular games globally, spotlighting the Korean gaming industry. Another major success was Lost Ark in 2023, which continued the momentum initiated by PUBG and reinforced Korea's presence in the global video game scene. Both games captivated French players, enjoying significant popularity, a trend that is becoming increasingly noticed in the industry. Indeed, recently many studios and major developments have been underway in South Korea. Thus, it is interesting to note that the country is strategizing to become even more prominent in the global video game market.

Korea in E-sports: an example for the rest of the world

E-sports has seen phenomenal growth, and South Korea is at its epicenter. Since the late 1990s, e-sports have been deeply rooted in Korean culture, with professional players achieving star status similar to that of footballers in Western societies. South Korean players dominate international e-sports competitions, particularly in games like League of Legends. Out of 13 World Championships, South Korea has won 8, and Korean players have been part of winning teams in 4 of the remaining 5 tournaments.

The global e-sports scene has been profoundly influenced by South Korean practices, professionalism, and players. Icons like Lee Sang-Hyeok, known as Faker, have garnered worldwide admiration, significantly contributing to the cultural expansion of Korean e-sports. Faker is the only player to have won the League of Legends World Championship four times (2013, 2015, 2016, and 2023), solidifying his status as a legendary figure in the gaming community.

According to the Direction Générale des Entreprises (DGE), with a revenue of nearly 50 million euros in 2019, e-sports in France accounted for about 650 professionals, including 189 players across 15 professional teams. With 1.3 million amateur participants, e-sports attracted an increasing number of spectators: 5 million in 2018 and more than 7 million in 2019. Not only France, but the entire world looks up to South Korea as the leading country in e-sports. As of today, the country's main competitors are the United States and, increasingly, China. But South Korea is still leading the way in the sector and setting an example for the rest of the world.

The Interaction of the French and Korean Video Game Industries

The interplay between France and South Korea highlights the dynamic nature of the global gaming market, where cultural exchange underscores the complementary strengths of each nation. On the French side, the country once behind in e-sports, is now emerging as a formidable force, largely due to the passionate fan base and the rise of powerful organizations like KarmineCorp and Gentle Mates, which have drawn inspiration from South Korea’s e-sports success. On the Korean side, the influence flows in the opposite direction: in video game development. Korean developers have been keen to adopt successful elements from French games as they seek to expand their presence on the international stage.

Thus, this mutual exchange underscores how both countries, through their distinct strengths and activities, are learning from each other, paving the way for innovation and growth in the gaming landscape. As both industries continue to evolve, their shared passion for gaming and innovation, and their complementary skills are set to shape the future of video games, creating a richer gaming landscape for players around the world.

Article written by Julie GARCEAU, Associate - Paris Korean Club

Article proofread by Elma DUVAL, Associate - Paris Korean Club