'Retake control!' of... video games: French presidential hopeful

July 4, 2026 - 14:01

Jean-Luc Melenchon, the hard-left candidate for the French presidency, has waded into an unexpected debate: video game ownership. Known for his support of nationalizing basic services like energy and water, Melenchon surprised many on Friday by declaring that players need to "retake control" of their digital entertainment.

Speaking at a campaign event, Melenchon argued that modern video games are too often treated as a service rather than a product. He criticized the industry's shift toward always-online requirements, subscription models, and games that can be altered or removed by publishers after purchase. "When you buy a game, you should own it," he said. "You should not be a tenant in a digital world that can be taken away from you at any moment."

The candidate's comments tap into a growing frustration among gamers over "live service" titles and digital storefronts that can revoke access. Melenchon framed the issue as a matter of property rights, a stance that aligns with his broader platform of protecting citizens from corporate overreach. He called for stronger consumer protections to ensure that purchased software remains playable and unaltered, regardless of what a company decides years later.

While Melenchon's proposal is unlikely to become law, it highlights how digital ownership has become a mainstream political talking point. His remarks have sparked debate online, with some praising his defense of consumer rights and others questioning why a presidential candidate is focusing on video games during a time of economic strain and international tension.