La France Insoumise's Fight to Preserve Video Games

In October 2026, Ugo Bernalicis, a member of parliament from La France Insoumise, sent shockwaves through the video game industry by introducing a legislative proposal aimed at protecting video games from obsolescence. This initiative comes at a time when players are frustrated by games they’ve purchased disappearing overnight, with no recourse available. The phrase "La France Insoumise wants to save video games" strikes a chord with both gamers and industry professionals who are keen to preserve their digital heritage.

The Challenge of Video Game Obsolescence

The main issue players face is the inability to play games they've bought once the servers are shut down by publishers. This problem was highlighted in April 2024 when Ubisoft turned off the servers for "The Crew," rendering the game unplayable for thousands. Legally, there's no obligation for publishers to keep games playable after they cease commercial operations. This isn't an isolated incident. With Sony's announcement to stop physical distribution of PlayStation games by 2028, the urgency for a sustainable solution is clear. La France Insoumise’s proposal aims to ensure that purchasing a video game is not merely a temporary rental.

Motivations Behind This Legislative Initiative

Bill No. 3169 by Ugo Bernalicis answers a growing citizen movement. The "Stop Killing Games" initiative gathered around 1.3 million signatures, and consumer association Que Choisir has filed a lawsuit against Ubisoft. However, the European Commission has stated it cannot mandate the longevity of games post-commercial life, instead urging the industry to develop a code of conduct.

Moreover, several legal and practical hurdles exist, notably regarding copyright and intellectual property rights. Requiring a publisher to hand over its server code to a French library raises complex issues, especially concerning European law compatibility.

Innovative Solutions for a Complex Problem

In response to these challenges, La France Insoumise's proposal is marked by two key measures:

• Right to Continued Access: Publishers would be required to provide a way for players to keep playing even after the game's commercial life ends. This could involve an offline patch or transfer to a third party.
• Public Conservation Platform: The National Library of France (BnF) would create a platform to preserve and distribute games. Games would be free for original purchasers and paid for new users, generating shared revenue.

These solutions aim not only to protect players' rights but also to preserve video game cultural heritage. However, they require complex coordination among industry stakeholders.

France's Position on the European Stage

La France Insoumise's proposal is part of a broader strategy to integrate video gaming into France's cultural exception. This concept, supported by political figures from various backgrounds, including Emmanuel Macron, seeks to promote and protect video games as a key element of French cultural heritage.

Hearings with various stakeholders, including SNJV and SELL, are scheduled to discuss the proposal. These discussions aim to apply pressure on Brussels to evolve the European legislative framework toward better consumer and industry protection in the video game sector.

Conclusion: Towards a Secure Future for Video Games

The legislative proposal from La France Insoumise raises essential questions about the longevity of video games and consumer rights. While there are still legal and practical challenges to address, the initiative seeks to spark a necessary debate on protecting video game heritage. At Société Flash, we are closely following these developments and providing comprehensive coverage to keep you informed about major changes in the video game industry.

To learn more about our services and how we can assist you in navigating this evolving environment, feel free to contact us.

FAQ

Why does La France Insoumise want to save video games?

La France Insoumise aims to ensure that games purchased can still be played after their commercial life ends, addressing consumer frustration over disappearing paid games.

What does La France Insoumise's Bill No. 3169 propose?

The bill proposes ensuring continued access to purchased games and creating a public platform for their preservation and distribution, managed by the National Library of France.

What are the obstacles to this legislative proposal?

The main obstacles are legal, particularly concerning intellectual property and copyright, as well as practical issues related to implementing the proposed solutions.

What role does the BnF play in this initiative?

The BnF would be responsible for creating a public platform for the conservation and distribution of video games, thereby preserving the gaming heritage.

How might this affect the video game industry?

If adopted, the law could force publishers to rethink their end-of-life game management and encourage greater consumer protection at the European level.