In the ever-evolving landscape of the video game industry, France stands out as a pivotal market, reflecting both global trends and unique local preferences. As we step into 2024, it’s intriguing to delve into the video games that have captivated the hearts and minds of French gamers, setting sales records and redefining entertainment paradigms in the region. This article embarks on a comprehensive exploration of the best-selling video games in France for the year, shedding light on the titles that have risen to prominence and the factors driving their success.
Rank | Game | Genre | Developer | Publisher | Platform | Release Date | Sales |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | FIFA 23 | Sports | EA Vancouver, EA Romania | EA Sports | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | September 30, 2022 | 1,755,857 units |
2 | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II | First-person shooter | Infinity Ward | Activision | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | October 28, 2022 | 791,338 units |
3 | Pokémon Legends: Arceus | Action role-playing | Game Freak | Nintendo | Nintendo Switch | January 28, 2022 | 589,375 units |
4 | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | Kart racing | Nintendo EAD | Nintendo | Nintendo Switch | April 28, 2017 | 451,254 units |
5 | Nintendo Switch Sports | Sports | Nintendo EPD | Nintendo | Nintendo Switch | April 29, 2022 | 432,685 units |
6 | FIFA 22 | Sports | EA Vancouver, EA Romania | EA Sports | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Stadia, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | October 1, 2021 | 423,702 units |
7 | Pokémon Violet | Role-playing | Game Freak | Nintendo, The Pokémon Company | Nintendo Switch | November 18, 2022 | 416,537 units |
8 | Grand Theft Auto V | Action-adventure | Rockstar North | Rockstar Games | PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC | September 17, 2013 | 400,953 units |
9 | God of War Ragnarök | Action-Adventure | Santa Monica Studio | Sony Interactive Entertainment | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 | November 9, 2022 | 368,726 units |
10 | Horizon Forbidden West | Action role-playing | Guerrilla Games | Sony Interactive Entertainment | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows | February 18, 2022 | 354,402 units |
Best Selling Video Games in France
From blockbuster franchises to indie gems, we’ll uncover the diverse tapestry of games that resonate with the French audience, analyzing gameplay elements, narrative strengths, and the cultural nuances that elevate their appeal. Join us as we navigate through the digital realms that have defined the gaming landscape in France in 2024, offering insights into the evolving preferences and trends that shape one of the world’s most vibrant video gaming communities.
1. FIFA 23
Genre: Sports
Developer: EA Vancouver, EA Romania
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Release Date: September 30, 2022
Units Sold: 1,755,857 units
FIFA 23, the latest installment in the long-standing FIFA series, continued its legacy by selling 1,755,857 units. Developed by EA Vancouver and EA Romania and published by Electronic Arts, this title brought innovative gameplay enhancements and immersive experiences to fans across multiple platforms. FIFA 23 is celebrated for its realistic football simulation, incorporating advanced AI, HyperMotion2 technology for lifelike player movement, and a wide array of game modes that cater to both solo and multiplayer experiences. The game also marked a significant milestone in the series by featuring women’s club teams for the first time, alongside its array of licensed teams, stadiums, and player likenesses from around the globe, solidifying its place as a pinnacle of sports gaming.
2. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
Genre: First-Person Shooter
Developer: Infinity Ward
Publisher: Activision
Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release Date: October 28, 2022
Units Sold: 791,338 units
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, developed by the acclaimed Infinity Ward and published by Activision, continues the storied legacy of the Call of Duty franchise with 791,338 units sold. This thrilling first-person shooter is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, offering a cutting-edge gaming experience across all major platforms. Modern Warfare II ushers players into an immersive narrative, where tactical gameplay, high-stakes missions, and a globally-spanning story converge to redefine the warfare experience. The game builds on the success of its predecessors with enhanced graphics, realistic physics, and a deep, engaging storyline that keeps players on the edge of their seats. Whether in the gripping single-player campaign, the competitive multiplayer arenas, or the cooperative Special Ops missions, Modern Warfare II delivers a seamless and intense experience that both honors the series’ roots and pushes the boundaries of the genre.
3. Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Genre: Action RPG
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo, The Pokémon Company
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: January 28, 2022
Units Sold: 589,375 units
Pokémon Legends: Arceus represents a bold new direction for the Pokémon series, with 589,375 units sold, capturing the hearts of trainers worldwide. Developed by Game Freak and brought to you by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, this action RPG for the Nintendo Switch invites players to explore the vast, untamed landscapes of the Hisui region—the ancient Sinnoh. As players embark on this grand adventure, they’ll encounter Pokémon in a rich, immersive world where they can study Pokémon behaviors, catch them in a more natural and dynamic manner, and unravel the mystery surrounding the mythical Pokémon Arceus. Pokémon Legends: Arceus blends classic Pokémon elements with innovative gameplay mechanics, providing a fresh experience that pays homage to the franchise’s roots while forging new paths into the wild unknown.
4. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Genre: Racing
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: April 28, 2017
Units Sold: 451,254 units
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe speeds into the hearts of players with 451,254 units sold, solidifying its place as a must-have title for the Nintendo Switch. This definitive edition of Mario Kart 8 brings together all the tracks, characters, and vehicles from the original game along with all the DLC content, plus exclusive new characters and features. Players can enjoy the gravity-defying races on 48 beautifully designed tracks, both in stunning high definition and through the innovative portable play of the Nintendo Switch. With a variety of game modes, including the revamped Battle Mode, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers endless fun for racers of all ages and skill levels. Whether competing online, locally, or simply against the AI, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe provides a rich, engaging racing experience that continues the legacy of the Mario Kart series.
5. Nintendo Switch Sports
Genre: Sports
Developer: Nintendo EPD
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: April 29, 2022
Units Sold: 432,685 units
Nintendo Switch Sports, with 432,685 units sold, captures the essence of family-friendly competition and brings it to the living room with the Nintendo Switch. As the spiritual successor to the beloved Wii Sports, this game introduces a new generation to the joy of motion-controlled sports games. Featuring a variety of activities such as Soccer, Volleyball, Bowling, Tennis, Badminton, and Chambara (Swordplay), Nintendo Switch Sports offers something for everyone. The game takes advantage of the Switch’s Joy-Con controllers to provide intuitive and immersive gameplay, allowing players to swing, kick, and spike as if they were in the game. With options for both online play and local multiplayer, friends and families can compete in spirited matches or team up to take on opponents worldwide. Nintendo Switch Sports proves to be an engaging and accessible title that continues Nintendo’s legacy of creating games that bring people together.
6. FIFA 22
Genre: Sports
Developer: EA Vancouver, EA Romania
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Nintendo Switch
Release Date: October 1, 2021
Units Sold: 423,702 units
FIFA 22 marks another high point for the world’s leading football simulation series, with 423,702 units sold, showcasing the continual innovation and passion Electronic Arts brings to sports gaming. Developed by EA Vancouver and EA Romania, FIFA 22 introduced groundbreaking HyperMotion technology on next-gen consoles, enhancing the realism of player movements and game mechanics. Available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch, the game offers a wide array of features across different platforms, including Career Mode, Ultimate Team, and VOLTA Football. FIFA 22 delivers an immersive football experience with lifelike match play, comprehensive team management, and dynamic, high-stakes gameplay that brings the global game to life in unprecedented detail. Whether playing solo or competing online, FIFA 22 invites players to feel the emotion and spirit of football at its finest.
7. Pokémon Violet
Genre: RPG
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo, The Pokémon Company
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: November 18, 2022
Units Sold: 416,537 units
Pokémon Violet, part of the groundbreaking new chapter in the Pokémon series, has captivated trainers worldwide with sales reaching 416,537 units. Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, this RPG unfolds in a vast, open-world setting, offering a fresh take on the Pokémon formula. Set in the expansive Paldea region, players can embark on an adventure with unparalleled freedom, experiencing the series’ traditional turn-based battles in a whole new way. Pokémon Violet, along with its counterpart Pokémon Scarlet, introduces players to a host of new Pokémon, including the enigmatic legendary Pokémon Miraidon. With its innovative gameplay features, such as the ability to explore together with friends in multiplayer, Pokémon Violet represents a significant evolution of the Pokémon franchise, delivering a rich, immersive experience that continues to enchant both long-time fans and newcomers to the series.
8. Grand Theft Auto V
Genre: Action-Adventure
Developer: Rockstar North
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Platform: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release Date: September 17, 2013
Units Sold: 400,953 units
Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5) has solidified its place in gaming history with sales of 400,953 units, continuing the legacy of Rockstar Games’ critically acclaimed series. Developed by Rockstar North, GTA 5 plunges players into the expansive and detailed world of Los Santos and Blaine County, offering an unparalleled level of freedom and depth. The game intertwines the lives of three distinct characters – Michael, Trevor, and Franklin – each with their unique storylines and missions that converge in a series of thrilling and audacious heists. GTA 5 is renowned for its open-world exploration, rich narrative, and a multiplayer experience provided by GTA Online, which continues to evolve with regular updates. Available on multiple generations of consoles and PC, GTA 5’s enduring popularity is a testament to its quality, innovation, and the immersive escapades it offers within its dynamic and ever-engaging world.
9. God of War Ragnarök
Genre: Action-Adventure
Developer: Santa Monica Studio
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Release Date: November 9, 2022
Units Sold: 368,726 units
God of War Ragnarök, the highly anticipated sequel in the acclaimed God of War series, has stormed the gaming world with 368,726 units sold. Developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, this action-adventure masterpiece is available exclusively on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. Continuing the epic saga of Kratos and his son Atreus, the game delves deeper into Norse mythology, unraveling the foretold events of Ragnarök. With its breathtaking visuals, intricate narrative, and refined combat mechanics, God of War Ragnarök offers a deeply immersive and emotionally charged experience. The game expands upon the critically acclaimed elements of its predecessor, introducing new realms to explore, more complex puzzles, and a host of formidable gods and monsters. God of War Ragnarök not only continues the legacy of Kratos but also sets a new benchmark for storytelling and gameplay in the action-adventure genre.
10. Horizon Forbidden West
Genre: Action RPG
Developer: Guerrilla Games
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows
Release Date: February 18, 2022
Units Sold: 354,402 units
Horizon Forbidden West, with sales of 354,402 units, marks the return of the beloved protagonist Aloy in a visually stunning and expansive sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn. Developed by Guerrilla Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, this action RPG is available on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. The game continues Aloy’s journey through the majestic but perilous landscapes of a post-apocalyptic America, now venturing into the mysterious frontier known as the Forbidden West. With an array of new machines to confront and mysteries to unravel, players are immersed in a deeply engaging narrative and a beautifully crafted open world. Horizon Forbidden West enhances the experience with improved mechanics, more dynamic combat, and breathtaking graphics, especially on the PlayStation 5. This sequel not only builds on the foundations of its predecessor but also enriches the series with new features, making it a must-play for fans and newcomers alike.
The Impact of France’s Best-Selling Video Games
Reflecting on France’s best-selling video games, we see a vibrant mix that highlights the nation’s diverse gaming tastes and its impact on global trends. From the football fields of FIFA 23 to other leading titles, these games not only entertained but also mirrored the evolving preferences of French gamers. Their success underlines France’s key role in the gaming world, hinting at future innovations. As we move forward, the lessons from this year’s hits will surely influence tomorrow’s gaming landscape, maintaining video games as a central part of France’s cultural and digital life.
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