France Insoumise and video games

France Insoumise, a political movement led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, has been using video games as a way to engage with voters and build its presence in the upcoming presidential election. The movement has been involved in the gaming community for over a decade, positioning itself as a supporter of gamers and trying to gain influence within this space.

Mélenchon and the Assassin's Creed controversy

In 2014, Mélenchon faced criticism from gamers after he criticized Assassin's Creed Unity for its portrayal of the people of 1789. This controversy made him realize the influence of online gaming communities, according to his former companion Alexis Corbière. Soon after, Mélenchon defended video games as an "art in its own right" and decided to get a gaming console.

Political disinterest in gaming

At the Paris Game Week, France Insoumise's presence was described as "so rare" by Vanessa Kaplan from the National Video Game Union. The political class has largely ignored the gaming industry, which has become the leading cultural sector in France, with nearly 6 billion euros in revenue in 2025. Despite this, Mélenchon, a 75-year-old presidential candidate and a science fiction fan, has visited schools and studios, even though he does not play video games himself.

Engaging gamers through platforms

France Insoumise has focused on engaging gamers through online platforms, especially Twitch, where its deputies host weekly shows. Antoine Léaument, one of these deputies, explained during the Paris Games Week that the goal is to "speak directly to people" and "get out of the insoumise bubble, the left bubble."

A proposed law for gamers' rights

A developer from Sunny Lab, Solène Michon, praised France Insoumise's proposed law that would ensure gamers can continue to access games even if publishers remove them from the market. The law, detailed by Ugo Bernalicis on BFM Tech, would create a new mission for the French National Library, allowing it to provide a platform for all French citizens to access games that are no longer available from their publishers.

Opposition to the proposed law

Nicolas Vignolles from the Software Publishers Association (SELL), which represents publishers opposing the law, called it an "electoralist" text. The law, which was introduced in committee, must be presented during the parliamentary niche of France Insoumise on October 29, 2026.

Integrating games into political campaigns

Ugo Bernalicis admits to wanting to bring video games into the public debate during the electoral period. He noted that France Insoumise integrated video games into its campaign as early as 2017, proposing the creation of a National Video Game Center. The movement also aims to stop tax credits that it believes favor large publishers over real employment.

Creative campaign initiatives

France Insoumise has launched Fiscal Kombat, a game inspired by Mortal Kombat, in which Mélenchon collects money from the wealthy to support the state. For 2027, the movement has already launched two games: a citizen sponsorship contest around the "turtle," the totem animal of Mélenchon, and a strategy game developed by supporters where players must lead the insoumise candidate to the Élysée.

Strategies for voter engagement

Antoine Léaument admits that these strategies make France Insoumise "sympathetic," but he is unsure if they will translate into more votes. The movement aims to cultivate an image of "joyful" militancy, as it is often accused of being harsh in public debate. It has attracted the support of major French streamers, such as Kameto in September, and hopes to gain new supporters among these influencers for the presidential election.

Political opposition in the gaming community

Sardoche, one of the most followed streamers in France and close to the far right, has announced his intention to use his influence during the campaign to counter France Insoumise. He also has ambitions to become a deputy. The game is only just beginning.