Games rated PEGI 18 represent 31% of video game sales in France, according to an analysis based on data from SELL and Médiamétrie. Although mature titles attract substantial demand, family-friendly PEGI 3 games generate slightly more revenue overall, leaving the market divided between adult-oriented realism and broad-access entertainment.
The findings come from a study involving 4,002 French internet users. The analysis suggests that the PEGI 18 label does not necessarily discourage purchases. For some players, mature themes, intense action and a sense of transgression can make a game more appealing, particularly as the average age of the gaming community continues to rise.
France has an estimated 38.7 million players, with an average age of 40. Women account for half of this community. This increasingly adult audience helps explain the demand for games with more complex stories and darker themes, as players look for immersive experiences that offer an escape from everyday rules.
However, access to adult-oriented games remains widespread among younger players. Nearly 70% of parents say they are familiar with the PEGI age-rating system, but only 43% activate parental controls on consoles at home. The analysis identifies social pressure and the desire to play the same games as friends as factors that can encourage teenagers to access violent titles.
The study also challenges the stereotype of the inactive player. It states that 87% of video game players regularly take part in a sporting activity. Instead, the main concerns associated with gaming highlighted in the analysis are sleep deprivation caused by late-night sessions and toxic online behaviour.
Online harassment is a significant issue: 17% of players say they have witnessed threats or harassment during online games. These problems are increasingly presented as key challenges for the industry, alongside the continued popularity of mature productions.
Sources: Jeuxvideo.com.