Macron announces video game festival plans

French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to host an international-scale video game festival in France, sparking discussions within the gaming industry. The announcement did not specify a location, leaving uncertainty about whether the event would be held in Paris or a provincial city.

Montpellier's gaming industry prominence

Montpellier, often regarded as a hub for the video game industry, has not remained silent in the face of Macron's proposal. The city is known for its strong presence in game development and has a reputation as a leader in the sector.

Local initiative to host the festival

On October 14, 2026, the Montpellier Metropolitan Area unveiled a "prefiguration mission" to organize the proposed festival. This effort is being undertaken in collaboration with the National Center for Cinema and Animated Image (CNC) and the Occitanie Region.

Montpellier's readiness to host

Although no official call for applications has been issued by the national government to host the event, Montpellier's initiative aims to demonstrate the city's preparedness and its claim to hosting the festival. The city is emphasizing its capability and relevance in the gaming world.