The video game industry is transitioning to all-digital distribution, with Grand Theft Auto 6 launching without physical copies in 2026 and Sony discontinuing physical PlayStation game sales by 2028. This shift has renewed debate about consumer rights in a fully digital marketplace.

French left-wing politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon has publicly opposed the trend, asserting that digital-only sales eliminate traditional ownership protections: players cannot resell games, lend them to others, or guarantee permanent access to products they've purchased. He contends that video games should be classified as cultural goods entitled to consumer protection regulations rather than treated as ordinary merchandise, and is backing a petition to maintain physical media options.