Many young people — and particularly teenage girls — say they have considered a career in video games, according to the yearly survey conducted by Médiamétrie for the SELL. The study also explores how the French public perceives the video game sector, not just players’ habits.
Scientists confirm: This is the most effective way to get your cat’s attention, according to new research
Elderly Couple Refuses Reserved Seats—Viral Train Standoff Sparks Fiery Debate on Courtesy
- A stronger career interest during the teenage years
- Gender gaps that shift significantly with age
- A generally positive image despite a fragile job market
The report, titled “Les Français et le jeu vidéo”, is produced annually by Médiamétrie for the Syndicat des éditeurs de logiciels de loisirs (SELL) and questions more than 4,000 respondents. Beyond players’ communities — covered in a separate article — the 2026 edition pays special attention to how 10-34 year-olds view professions in the video game industry.
Career ambitions peak in mid-adolescence
Among French teenagers aged 15 to 18, 43% say they have at some point thought about working in the video game industry. That is the highest share of the four age brackets examined: it exceeds the interest level among 19-24 year-olds (35%), 25-34 year-olds (30%) and even 10-14 year-olds (29%).
These differences reflect the attitudes of distinct age groups at the time of the survey rather than tracking a single generation over time, and they do not simply mirror how much each group actually plays. For instance, 10-14 year-olds are the most active players (96%) yet are the least likely to have considered a career in games (29%). Play remains nearly as widespread among 15-17 year-olds (93%), but this is the period when interest in industry jobs is at its highest.
Gender gaps fluctuate strongly across ages
Why You Should Never Reheat These Foods in the Microwave – The Hidden Dangers Experts Warn About
I tried the top 5 guard dogs—here’s what makes these breeds the ultimate protectors
Responses about pursuing a career in games vary markedly by gender. Girls aged 15 to 18 are the most likely to have considered working in the sector: 49% report having thought about it, compared with 39% of boys the same age. This is the only age band where young women outnumber young men on this question.
In younger teens (10-14), the trend is reversed: 24% of girls versus 34% of boys say they have considered a job in games. Among young adults the gap grows in favor of men — 19-24 year-olds show a 15-point difference (46% of men vs. 31% of women), and 25-34 year-olds display a 16-point gap (39% of men vs. 23% of women).
In the study’s editorial, Bénédicte Germain, president of SELL, notes that women make up 62% of Gen Z players (defined here as 17-31 year-olds). Yet she points out that this balance “still too often stops at the doors of our studios,” with women underrepresented in creative and decision-making roles.
A favorable image, even as employment faces strain
The French public largely views video games in a positive light. Among adult respondents, 82% see the industry as innovative. Across all ages surveyed, 78% agree that video games are created by genuine artists, and 63% believe games help develop skills or know-how.
That broadly favorable perception contrasts with the sector’s economic reality, which Germain describes as worrying — especially regarding jobs, which have been weakened by several rounds of restructuring. She highlights the paradox of strong youth interest in game careers at a time when employment is unstable. “There is a pool of talent and energy that France would be well advised not to let slip away,” she says. The SELL points to initiatives it supports, such as Women in Games France, which promotes gender diversity within the industry.
Study methodology
Between June 2 and June 24, 2026, Médiamétrie conducted an online survey for the SELL among a sample of 4,002 people aged 10 to 80. The sample was built using quotas and adjusted using Insee data to be representative of the French population in that age range. The figures cited here about interest in video game careers refer specifically to respondents aged 10 to 34.
Training opportunities for careers in video games continue to develop as the sector attracts young talent, but the challenge remains to turn that interest into stable, diverse employment within France.
Similar Posts
- France Considers TikTok Ban for Minors, Nightly Curfew from 10 PM to 8 AM: Will It Happen?
- Apple Joins Game Awards Advisory Board: Major Tech Influence Expected!
- YouTube and Facebook Dominate the U.S. Social Media Landscape: Trends and Insights
- Diversity in Tech: Why Companies Must Lead and How to Achieve It
- AI Overwhelms 28% of French Workers: Feelings of Being Outpaced Surge
Jordan Park writes in-depth reviews and editorial opinion pieces for Touch Reviews. With a background in UI/UX design, Jordan offers a unique perspective on device usability and user experience across smartphones, tablets, and mobile software.