PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron is extending an olive branch to video gamers after previously linking computer games to them. riot The incident shocked France earlier this year.
President Macron posted on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, retracting his June remarks. Because of video games for “intoxicating” some young rioters.
These comments disappointed some in the gaming community beyond France. Japanese game director Katsuhiro Harada tweeted in response: “Blaming something is a great way to escape the burden of responsibility.”
Mr. Macron began making unusual statements. long post This weekend I was pretty guilty of “surprising gamers.”
He then sought to clarify his thoughts, showering video games and the industry with praise.
“Video games are an integral part of France,” Macron declared.
“I raised my concerns at the end of June because juvenile delinquents were using their video gaming habits to trivialize violence on social networks,” he said. “I condemn this violence, not video games.”
Then the commotion started Nahel Merzouk shot dead by police June 27th in Nanterre, a suburb of Paris. The 17-year-old, who was born in France and is of North African descent, was stopped by two police officers on a motorbike who later claimed he had been driving dangerously. He was killed by a single shot through his left arm and chest.
From Nanterre, Violent protests spread rapidly It turned into generalized nationwide unrest in cities, towns, and cities. Even the village It was celebrated on social networks.
At a government crisis meeting at the time, Mr Macron accused social networks of playing a “significant role” in the unrest, fueling copycat violence and accusations of video games.
“Among the youngest members[of the mob]this has led to a kind of escapism. We sometimes feel that some of them live on the streets, addicted to video games. “There is,” Macron said.
But his latest post struck a completely different tone.
“I have always considered video games to be an opportunity for France, for our youth and their future, for our jobs and our economy,” he said.
The industry “inspires people, makes them dream and makes them grow,” Macron continued.
He concluded, “You can count on me.”