ESA launches Video Game Voters Network

by Ross Miller { Mar 13th 2006 at 3:30PM }

It looks like the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) is jumping on the 12-step plan. The ESA sent out a press release this morning officially launching the Video Game Voters Network, a website devoted to promoting the self-regulation of the games industry. The site serves to keep track of all the anti-game legislation currently under consideration, including the Family Entertainment Protection Act, sponsored by usual suspects Hillary Clinton and Joseph Lieberman.

Also found on the site are "Top Ten Facts About Gamers," which attempts to dispel common misconceptions about gamers, and independent research which shows that video games are not turning our youth into aggressive killing machines. You can also view a collection of choice quotes supporting the industry. The Video Game Voters Network provides contact information for US and State Senators, forms that you can use to "spread the word," and even a voter registration form.

The website is politics at its worst (top banner features US citizens of all ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds smiling in front of an American flag), but it is about time the games industry started to play the game and defend itself. With voter turnout as low (and apathy as high) as it is, even a few more registered voters could make a difference.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Jim N @ Mar 13th 2006 4:44PM

I hope that I am not the only one that finds it funny that Congress is trying to impose their ethics on an industry that I would take a guess that 98% have not a clue about. I think that Congress needs to look at first cleaning up their own act and getting on course. Almost every American around thinks that they are all a bunch of money hungry special interest puppets. Hardly a week goes by that there is not some news report adding yet another blemish to image of American Politics.

I signed up for that website and already contacted my congress men via email and plan on following this up with a hand written letter.

Gonzo @ Mar 14th 2006 1:12AM

In agreement Jim. Political d-bags on the right and the left continue to push everybody into endless philisophical debates when there's important crap that we can all agree needs to be fixed left to fester on the side.
I'd like to know why family entertainment needs to be protected. Who's attacking it?
We pay these morons way too much. I'm from NY and I'm not voting for Hillary this year. But then again I always vote for one of those independent guys who never wins.