I’ve (once again) made gamers lose it…
I’ve seen a lot of misunderstandings.
So let me be clear.
The facts: I have always supported video games, pop culture — the industry, creation, culture, jobs.
I have put French esports in the spotlight at the Élysée and made commitments to structure the sector and attract major events to France, which we have done.
We have awarded decorations to the Sandfall teams and, even better, I support the participation of our teams (Karmine, Vitality, Gentle Mates, etc.) in the creation of a French national team around video games for a world competition.
There are so many French gems that have global influence!
We can be extremely proud of that.
But supporting an industry and a culture does not prevent asking a simple question, without caricature: what are the effects of certain contents and certain usages on the youngest?
Parents’ observation is that some young people spend their days and sometimes their nights playing. It has also often been pointed out that games rated PEGI 18 are played by children.
This is a major issue of public health, education and responsibility. For physical health, especially the eyes, and mental health, when a young person no longer goes out at all because they play excessively, of course it is worrying and we must take it seriously.
What I announced on Brut, in response to this teacher who was shouting her anger, is not a ban on video games: it is the launch of a scientific, collective work to look reality in the face. Calmly, lucidly and with all stakeholders involved.
It is our responsibility to ask researchers, scientists and clinicians to assess the impacts, to untangle received ideas and to shed light on the public debate.
That is exactly what I am doing: I am opening a serious, informed and calm debate, which I want to keep far away from shortcuts.
One can love video games, be proud of them, and at the same time look without taboo at certain practices and their effects.
: Emmanuel Macron
President of France