French politician and presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon has publicly expressed disappointment about PlayStation’s decision to end production of physical game discs from 2028, questioning the future of digital game ownership, and calling for law reform.
In a post on X, Mélenchon cited the upcoming code-in-a-box release of GTA 6, as well as Sony’s recent decision on physical media, as signs of a future where ownership is eroded – something he plans to address in his capacity as a political leader.
Opposition to PlayStation decision – quick links
French politician on plans to reform digital media ownership
‘With GTA 6 without a disc in 2026 and Sony’s announcement of the end of physical disc sales for games in 2028, the question arises of how we view these products,’ Mélenchon said, via translation.
‘Tomorrow, you will pay without ever owning anything. No loan, no resale, no guarantee of keeping what you’ve paid for. Video games are not mere commodities; they are cultural goods, and applicable law must apply to them.’
‘We will tackle this issue in 2027. Players have rights, too!’
As Mélenchon has publicly outlined, there is a need for global law reform to catch up on terms of digital ownership, particularly given the tricky wording of ownership on some platforms. It’s fairly common that digital purchases are offered with the caveat that consumer are only buying a ‘license to access goods’, rather than the goods themselves.
It’s also fairly common the purchases come with the added caveat that access can be removed or altered at any time, for any reason, allowing companies to remove digital goods without compensation to purchasers.
Recently, PlayStation demonstrated this exactly in the announced removal of over 550 films from its Studio Canal library, available via the PlayStation Store. In a notice, the company said the films would be removed due to ‘content licensing arrangements’ and firmly stated players would ‘no longer be able to access [their] previously purchased content’ as it would be ‘removed from [their] video library’.
No alternatives were offered.
Law reform is needed in an era where digital ownership means little
Mélenchon’s call to reform legislature around digital ownership should rightfully be echoed worldwide. While a digital future feels inevitable, consumers won’t feel safe purchasing digital-only goods until legal terms reflect the security of their purchases.
It should not be only a license that’s purchased but access in perpetuity, and a guarantee that digital goods will remain available forever. As Mélenchon says, there must be guarantees that consumers can keep what they paid for.
At this stage, it’s unclear whether the politician will get the chance to argue for this reform, and whether any proposed bill would gather firm support. Mélenchon is running for presidential candidacy in 2027, as leader of leftist party La France Insoumise. It appears this party does have some support, although any power will depend on their run into 2027 and impactful policy that turns the tide of public loyalty.
Should Mélenchon’s push result in greater power in the French parliament, he has pledged to address issues of digital ownership, which will no doubt become a hotter topic as PlayStation’s decision is eventually implemented, and the all-digital future swiftly arrives.
At the very least, that these conversations are happening should prove heartening for a brighter future where consumer rights are better protected.
