Pixellated pixies have joined Gerard Depardieu as one of France’s cultural exports. In November 2006, the French government announced plans to have video games recognised as a cultural industry alongside French cinema, with the same tax breaks and hopefully, eventually, the same global status. French blockbusters include Top Spin, Dead to Rights, Act of War, and Cold Fear. Unlike many Hollywood hits – you could probably list three Steven Spielberg pictures without having seen any of them – you’re unlikely to have heard of these unless you own some kind of gaming console or live with someone who does. Yet in 2005 the gaming industry made 7 billion US dollars.