France’s Mélenchon Pushes for Digital Game Ownership Rights as Sony Ends Physical Discs
What’s Driving the Political Backlash Against Digital-Only Gaming?
French presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon has called for legal reforms to protect digital game ownership after Sony announced it will stop releasing new games on physical discs by 2028. “In the future, you’ll pay without ever truly owning anything,” Mélenchon wrote on Twitter, citing concerns over the lack of resale, lending, or long-term access to digital purchases. His comments highlight growing anxieties about digital ownership, a topic gaining traction as major publishers shift away from physical media.
According to a report by The Gamer, Mélenchon’s stance reflects broader fears among gamers that digital licenses can be revoked without recourse. This isn’t hypothetical: In 2023, hundreds of PlayStation users lost access to purchased movies due to licensing disputes, with no refunds offered. “Videogames are cultural goods, not just products,” Mélenchon argued, vowing to address the issue during his 2027 campaign.
Why Digital Ownership Matters to Gamers and Lawmakers
The shift to digital-only releases threatens traditional practices like used game sales and library archiving. Without physical discs, gamers lose the ability to resell, lend, or preserve their collections. “This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about rights,” said a survey by the International Game Developers Association (IGDA), which found a majority of gamers believe digital ownership should grant similar freedoms to physical copies.
European lawmakers have previously attempted to address these issues. Similar efforts on the European level have faced challenges, as corresponding demands for the long-term preservation of digital games did not receive legislative support. The weiler runs in the USA also not much better.
How Other Regions Are Tackling Digital Ownership
While France’s approach is novel, other regions have explored similar frameworks. In the U.K., the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) recently investigated digital game resale platforms, citing antitrust concerns. Meanwhile, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry has encouraged publishers to offer flexible licensing models, though no
