French President Emmanuel Macron says people are getting the wrong idea about what he said about video games recently.
Macron had to speak up on social media over the weekend because he upset gamers again. This happened after he talked to the country earlier this month about studying how AI and games affect kids.
“I’ve seen many people misunderstand me,” he
wrote on social media. “Let me be clear: I have always supported video games and pop culture. That means the industry, the creative work, the culture, and the jobs. I have helped French esports get attention at the presidential palace and worked to organize the industry and bring big events to France. We have done that.”
“We have honored the Sandfall teams. Even better, I support our teams like Karmine, Vitality, and Gentle Mates helping to create a French national team for world competitions. There are many great French games that people all over the world know about! We should be very proud of that.”
But Macron said that just because he supports the games industry doesn’t mean he can’t ask a simple question about how games affect young people.
“Parents have noticed that some young people play games all day and sometimes all night. It’s also often said that games meant for adults (PEGI 18) are being played by children,” he added. “This is a big problem for public health, education, and responsibility. For physical health, especially the eyes, and mental health, when a young person never goes outside because they play too much, that’s very worrying. We need to take this seriously.”
“What I said on Brut TV, after a angry teacher spoke up, is not about banning video games. It’s about starting a scientific study to look at the facts. We need to do this calmly and clearly, with everyone involved. It’s our job to ask researchers, scientists, and doctors to check the effects, to clear up wrong ideas, and to help the public understand what’s really happening.”
Macron added: “That’s exactly what I’m doing: I’m starting a serious, smart, and calm discussion. I want to avoid quick and easy answers. You can love video games, be proud of them, and still look at some habits and their effects without avoiding the topic.”
If you’re wondering what he means by honoring Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the developers at Sandfall Interactive were given special honors last week for their important work in French arts. They received the Order of Arts and Letters, which recognizes a “big moment in French video game history”.
Macron also praised Sandfall Interactive when Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 came out last year, calling it a “great example of French boldness and creativity”. And just last month, Macron congratulated Sandfall Interactive again for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, this time for winning nine awards at The Game Awards in December – a record number!
