ESA spends $714k in Q1 on lobbying

So in conclusion, they spent $714,000 getting active in legislation. And they spent $5 million to break their lease at the LA Convention Center in 2007, so they could say "Oh, my bad!" and return to LA in 2008.

Yup, I'd drop out of the ESA until they started spending my money better as well.

That's really nothing for an industry the size of the games industry. Actually pretty embaressing.

I wonder what they spent more money on, free speech or IP/patent stuff.

$714,000?

That's it?

Go ESA! Stop those pirates from downloading Dreamcast and Atari games!

I can't help but suspect that the whole reason for all of the anti-videogame political talk/legislation was from the politicians deciding, "Hey, there's this giant money making industry, and they're not giving us money like all the other industries do."

There's a lot of wheels to grease, if you catch my drift.

I despise the ESA. I wish we never even started it. It's going to turn into the next MPAA. Mark my words. An Evil, vile, coalition of corporations conspiring to dominate the industry and remain in power. Ultimately they will censor the industry (fuck, they've already started doing that - Manhunt 2, anyone?), prevent independent developers from making a name for themselves in the industry, and otherwise reigning in the power for their own nefarious purposes.

I can't believe that gamers have accepted the ESA as it stands today. If they were really interested in protecting the industry, we wouldn't have things such as an "AO" rating at all today. We should demand more. You know, complain on the internet. It accomplishes a lot.

*sigh*

Sorry, having a long day.

I don't get it, why are companies able to bribe legislators to begin with? Doesn't this bother anyone?

The ESA isn't really meant to represent gamers... though they are less EVIL than groups like the MPAA and the RIAA.

If gamers want to be represented then they really should set up their own group... i'm sure a site like Penny Arcade or CAD could easily organise some form of gamers organisation if they wanted. (pay annual dues via paypal, get discounts on PA/CAD merchandise and events and maybe some free downloads... use the money to campaign for GAMERS rather than game makers. )