French Politician Fights for Physical Games as PlayStation Ditches Discs in 2028

France's hard-left presidential hopeful, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, is leading a charge to 'retake control' of video games, launching a petition to save physical game copies after Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) announced it will cease physical disc production for new PlayStation games starting January 2028. This move, which follows Rockstar's decision to make Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) digital-only, signals a significant industry shift away from physical media and has ignited a fiery debate over consumer rights and cultural heritage. Mélenchon, a candidate for the 2027 French presidential election, argues this digital-only future denies 'buyers' rights' and risks confiscating a vital part of our 'cultural heritage.' Sony's pivot is driven by 'shifting trends in consumer preference,' with digital sales accounting for a staggering 85% of PlayStation game purchases in Q4 2025. This transition, while financially beneficial for publishers by reducing production costs and increasing margins, has sparked widespread outrage among gamers. A recent Digital Foundry poll revealed that 86% of over 45,000 respondents believe physical media remains crucial, citing concerns over true game ownership, the inability to resell or lend games, and the long-term challenges of video game preservation, especially for delisted titles. Many disappointed fans are even declaring their PlayStation 5 will be their 'last console.' The clash between industry economics and consumer sentiment is escalating, with Mélenchon vowing to fight for gamers and initiate legislation in 2027 to protect their rights in the digital gaming sphere. This political intervention elevates the discussion beyond gaming forums, pushing the issue of digital ownership into public policy. While the European Union recently declined to act on a similar petition, the growing momentum behind consumer advocacy, particularly with a major political figure championing the cause, suggests that the future of game ownership and cultural preservation may face increasing regulatory scrutiny in France and potentially beyond.