Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Obama administration teams up with the ESA on fitness promotion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/obama-administration-teams-up-with-the-esa-on-fitness-promotion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/obama-administration-teams-up-with-the-esa-on-fitness-promotion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/obama-administration-teams-up-with-the-esa-on-fitness-promotion/#comments ImageFor all its talk of "putting down the video games and getting outside," it looks like President Barack Obama's administration is lightening its past rhetoric and embracing video games. Well, at least some video games - what it's calling "active video games." Think Wii Fit, Just Dance, and Zumba Fitness.

The Entertainment Software Association is collaborating with the US Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition to launch the "Active Play Presidential Active Lifestyle Award Challenge," which will task kids and adults with taking on 60 or 30 minutes of "active video gaming activity," respectively, five days per week over the course of six weeks.

Moreover, the collaboration means that your favorite game publishers are adding "PALA+" functionality to their games, allowing gamers to "stay motivated and track their progress in the program." Electronic Arts, Konami Digital Entertainment, Microsoft Corporation, Nintendo of America, Sony Computer Entertainment America, Take-Two Interactive Software/2K Play, and Ubisoft are all listed in the official announcement.

And what will that functionality entail, exactly? The ESA ambiguously describes it as the following:
  • Interactive tools to help kids and families monitor the progress of their physical activity and healthy eating goals
  • Tracking tools to help participants in different schools and communities engage in competition
  • Helpful tips and information on healthy living from PCFSN [President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition]
We're not expecting a ton from the initiative beyond logos slapped into several exergames and another press release trumpeting the program's "enormous success" in a few months, but if some chubbos drop a few pounds due to the initiative, then we've all won.

JoystiqObama administration teams up with the ESA on fitness promotion originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2012 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>active-play-presidential-active-lifestyle-award-challengeentertainment-software-associationesakinectmicrosoftmovenintendopalapala+playstationps3the-entertainment-software-associationwiixboxTue, 01 May 2012 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Into The Pixel 2012 submissions open until April 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/into-the-pixel-2012-submissions-open-until-april-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/into-the-pixel-2012-submissions-open-until-april-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/into-the-pixel-2012-submissions-open-until-april-20/#comments The submission window is currently open for game artists to submit their work and get a little recognition at the Into The Pixel exhibit. The gallery, now in its ninth year, is sponsored by The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) and the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), and will debut at this year's E3 in June.

Submissions are open until April 20. Artists should keep in mind that entries must be from a game they worked on, and that's out or in the process of launching. Art doesn't have to be submitted by AIAS or ESA members. This means indies should take the opportunity to submit their concept art and diversify the pieces usually displayed at the exhibit.

Continue reading Into The Pixel 2012 submissions open until April 20

JoystiqInto The Pixel 2012 submissions open until April 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AIASESAinto-the-pixelFri, 30 Mar 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Level-5 joins the ESA, meaning it's becoming a US publisher]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/level-5-is-now-apparently-a-us-publisher-as-well-as-an-esa-memb/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/level-5-is-now-apparently-a-us-publisher-as-well-as-an-esa-memb/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/level-5-is-now-apparently-a-us-publisher-as-well-as-an-esa-memb/#comments Level-5, developer of Professor Layton, Dark Cloud, Ni no Kuni and more, is moving further toward establishing publishing operations in North America. The ESA -- the video game publishers' lobbying group -- announced today that Level-5 has joined its ranks. Ergo, Level-5 is becoming a North American video game publisher. That helps explain what the new Level-5 International America office is up to.

Level-5's publishing operations, whatever they are, will likely begin after the winter release of Ni no Kuni -- as Namco Bandai is handling that.

Other new ESA members include digital publisher Little Orbit, who has the license for DC's Young Justice, and digital publisher Rubicon Organization.

Continue reading Level-5 joins the ESA, meaning it's becoming a US publisher

JoystiqLevel-5 joins the ESA, meaning it's becoming a US publisher originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsesalevel-5nintendoplaystationps3wiiTue, 06 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[California out nearly $2 million on failed video game legislation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/california-out-nearly-2-million-on-failed-video-game-legislatio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/california-out-nearly-2-million-on-failed-video-game-legislatio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/california-out-nearly-2-million-on-failed-video-game-legislatio/#comments When California agreed to foot the Entertainment Software Association's $950,000 legal bill accrued during its deconstruction of Brown v. EMA, we estimated the state's cumulative payout to the ESA at around $1,327,000. Once you factor in the state's own legal costs, however, California's total payout for attempting to regulate the sale of violent games to minors rings up at a cool $1.8 million, according to The Sacramento Bee.

Billable hours accrued by lawyers working for the state add an estimated $500,000 to the failed legislation's price tag, which has been slowly growing since the state decided to appeal the bill's initial injunction way back in 2007. Considering that California's budget deficit is projected to reach somewhere around $22 billion this year, two million bucks doesn't seem like all that much in comparison. It's like tossing a box of matches into a burning building: What are you gonna do, set it more on fire?

JoystiqCalifornia out nearly $2 million on failed video game legislation originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ab-1179californiaEntertainment-software-associationESAlawlegalreimbursementWed, 22 Feb 2012 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA spent over $1m last quarter, partially for SOPA/PIPA lobbying]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/esa-spent-over-1m-last-quarter-partially-for-sopa-pipa-lobbyin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/esa-spent-over-1m-last-quarter-partially-for-sopa-pipa-lobbyin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/esa-spent-over-1m-last-quarter-partially-for-sopa-pipa-lobbyin/#comments Between October 1 and December 31, 2011, when the Entertainment Software Association wasn't having its quartet of lobbyists pushing lawmakers on subjects such as international trade, constitutional rights, immigration policy, and STEM initiatives, it was petitioning in favor of "copyright/patent/trademark" issues. More specifically, it was supporting SOPA and PIPA in the two Congressional houses up until January 20 when lawmakers pulled support.

And all that lobbying can add up, as the association's disclosure filing reveals expenditures of $1,082,167 across all lobbying initiatives in the fourth quarter -- that figure also includes regular overhead expenses, to be clear. How much of that was spent on SOPA/PIPA is unknown, but by comparison, the Motion Picture Association of America spent $850K during the same period, which also includes its own support for SOPA/PIPA.

The ESA collectively spent $4,391,201 last year, and declined a request for specifics regarding its spending in 2011.

JoystiqESA spent over $1m last quarter, partially for SOPA/PIPA lobbying originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disclosureentertainment-software-associationesalegallobbyingpipaprotect-intellectual-property-actsopastop-online-piracy-actFri, 03 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[California to pay ESA $950,000 over failed game bill]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/california-to-pay-esa-950-000/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/california-to-pay-esa-950-000/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/california-to-pay-esa-950-000/#comments
The State of California has agreed to reimburse the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) $950,000 in legal fees for fighting Brown v. EMA up to the Supreme Court. The state must have brought in its top negotiators to get the original request for $1.1 million reduced. Including reimbursements for the 2008 case, which the state already paid, California has dished out more than $1,327,000 to ESA.

"Senator Yee and Governor Schwarzenegger wasted more than $1 million in taxpayer funds at a time when Californians could ill afford it," said Mike Gallagher, president and CEO of ESA. "However we feel strongly that some of these funds should be used to improve services for California's youth."

The ESA stated it would donate a portion of the proceeds from the reimbursement to "develop after-school educational programs for underserved communities in Oakland and Sacramento." The trade association's new charitable education initiative will begin in the spring and will "harness young peoples' natural passion for playing and making video games and connect them to the development of critical 21st century job skills."

States, seriously, stop it.

JoystiqCalifornia to pay ESA $950,000 over failed game bill originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ab-1179californiaEntertainment-software-associationESAreimbursementThu, 26 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA withdraws support for SOPA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/esa-withdraws-support-for-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/esa-withdraws-support-for-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/esa-withdraws-support-for-sopa/#comments The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) -- or, more accurately, its membership -- has decided to withdraw support for the ailing "Stop Online Piracy Act" (SOPA). The move comes as both SOPA and the Protect Intellectual Property Act (PIPA) continue to lose momentum.

"From the beginning, ESA has been committed to the passage of balanced legislation to address the illegal theft of intellectual property found on foreign rogue sites. Although the need to address this pervasive threat to our industry's creative investment remains, concerns have been expressed about unintended consequences stemming from the current legislative proposals," the ESA wrote in a public statement.

"Accordingly, we call upon Congress, the Obama Administration, and stakeholders to refocus their energies on producing a solution that effectively balances both creative and technology interests. As an industry of innovators and creators, we understand the importance of both technological innovation and content protection and are committed to working with all parties to encourage a balanced solution."

Although SOPA and PIPA have retreated away from a vote, both had some powerful backing and could come back. You can continue to contact Congress and the US State Department and let them know how you feel by filling out forms found here.

JoystiqESA withdraws support for SOPA originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Entertainment-software-associationESASOPAstop-online-piracy-actFri, 20 Jan 2012 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[EA explains lack of SOPA stance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/ea-explains-lack-of-sopa-stance/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/ea-explains-lack-of-sopa-stance/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/ea-explains-lack-of-sopa-stance/#comments Responding to a Reddit reader, Electronic Arts corporate communication head Jeff Brown has detailed the publisher's lack of position on the "Stop Online Piracy Act" (SOPA).

"EA has not expressed a position on SOPA," Brown wrote in the letter, noting there was confusion over the holiday about the company's stance on the bill. "We never supported so, naturally, never withdrew. We tried to correct the record but there is still plenty of confusion."

"The game industry's representatives in Washington, Entertainment Software Association, has expressed support for SOPA ... OK true, EA is a member of ESA, and ESA supports SOPA, but we don't think that implies our support. Among ESA members, some support, some oppose, some take no position."

SOPA is currently shelved while the House "address outstanding concerns and work to build consensus."

JoystiqEA explains lack of SOPA stance originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsesajeff-brownpoliticssopaTue, 17 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA members asked individually about SOPA, some respond]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/sopa-list-esa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/sopa-list-esa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/sopa-list-esa/#comments Rock, Paper, Shotgun collaborated in obtaining responses.
The Entertainment Software Association's support of the "Stop Online Piracy Act" has led us to ask every member of the video game industry's lobbying and political group to publicly declare its stance on the bill. The ESA's continued support means every member, by proxy, is a supporter of the bill.

Some companies have pulled their logos from supporting SOPA documentation to dodge ire, while others are hiding behind rhetoric, as you'll see below. Joystiq contacted every member of the ESA and requested a declarative statement on SOPA. After the break we've listed the responses we've received, along with others we found. We continue to seek clarity on this issue from every member of the ESA.

This will become the page we update as we receive responses and clear declarative statements, so feel free to bookmark.

(Joystiq does not support SOPA, nor does our parent company.)

Continue reading ESA members asked individually about SOPA, some respond

JoystiqESA members asked individually about SOPA, some respond originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>345-games38-studios505-gamescapcomdeep-silverdisneydisney-interactiveeaeidoseidos-interactiveelectronic-artsEntertainment-software-associationepic-gamesESAfutureher-interactiveignition-entertainmentkonamilevel-5microsoftnamconatsumenexonnintendonivalnvidiao-gamesperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpoliticssegaslangsonysony-online-entertainmentSOPAsquare-enixstop-online-piracy-acttake-twotake-two-interactivethqtrionubisoftwarner-bros-interactivewbieFri, 06 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA member Epic Games speaks out against SOPA [Update: So do 38 Studios and Trion]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/esa-member-epic-games-speaks-out-against-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/esa-member-epic-games-speaks-out-against-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/esa-member-epic-games-speaks-out-against-sopa/#comments Epic Games, developer of the Gears of War series and member of the Entertainment Software Association, last night came out against the proposed "Stop Online Piracy Act" (SOPA).

"We do not support the current version of SOPA," Epic Games senior PR manager Dana Cowley wrote in a public letter posted to the North Carolina company's forums. "We are members of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), a trade organization that is working with legislators to refine the bill," she said, referring to the ESA's letter of support for the proposed legislation released earlier this week.

She added, "Epic Games supports efforts that would stop overseas websites profiting from pirating our games, but we have to do that in a way that's compatible with freedom of speech and due process of law."

Epic is the first member of the ESA - the political lobbying arm of the game industry - to speak out against SOPA, but we suspect it won't be the last. We've dropped a list of remaining ESA members after the break who have yet to rescind support for the proposed legislation.

Update: 38 Studios is also against SOPA, writing on its Facebook wall, "Based on the SOPA bill's current structure, 38 Studios believes that the bill requires further restructuring and review to ensure it both preserves rights and protects intellectual properties. Please know that we take this issue very seriously," as spotted by Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Trion also has come out against the proposed legislation, writing on its forums, "We definitely do not support SOPA. We'll be calling the ESA about this after the holiday weekend."

Continue reading ESA member Epic Games speaks out against SOPA [Update: So do 38 Studios and Trion]

JoystiqESA member Epic Games speaks out against SOPA [Update: So do 38 Studios and Trion] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dana-cowleyentertainment-software-associationepicepic-gamesesalobbyingpoliticssopaThu, 05 Jan 2012 08:35:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA stands behind proposed SOPA legislation, issues statement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/esa-stands-behind-proposed-sopa-legislation-issues-statement/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/esa-stands-behind-proposed-sopa-legislation-issues-statement/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/esa-stands-behind-proposed-sopa-legislation-issues-statement/#comments Last week, it appeared as though various game developers and publishers had pulled support for the proposed "Stop Online Piracy Act" - a piece of legislation that would empower content owners to effectively shut down internet sites over copyright infringement claims. The Entertainment Software Association, however, was still listed as a supporter, meaning that the long list of game companies belonging to the ESA supported it by proxy. That's pretty much every major game company you can think of, with the exception of Activision.

The ESA is still a SOPA supporter, and today the game industry's lobbying group issued a statement to Joystiq regarding its support of the controversial bill. It reads as follows:
"As an industry of innovators and creators, we understand the importance of both technological innovation and content protection, and do not believe the two are mutually exclusive. Rogue websites - those singularly devoted to profiting from their blatant illegal piracy - restrict demand for legitimate video game products and services, thereby costing jobs. Our industry needs effective remedies to address this specific problem, and we support the House and Senate proposals to achieve this objective. We are mindful of concerns raised about a negative impact on innovation. We look forward to working with the House and Senate, and all interested parties, to find the right balance and define useful remedies to combat willful wrongdoers that do not impede lawful product and business model innovation."
As we've previously stated, Joystiq does not support SOPA, nor does our parent company. Additionally, Serious Sam: Double D dev Mommy's Best Games is currently calling on ESA members to speak out against the proposed bill.

JoystiqESA stands behind proposed SOPA legislation, issues statement originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artselectronic-software-associationesamicrosoftnintendosonysopaTue, 03 Jan 2012 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Mommy's Best Games asks ESA members to renounce SOPA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/mommys-best-games-asks-esa-members-to-renounce-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/mommys-best-games-asks-esa-members-to-renounce-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/mommys-best-games-asks-esa-members-to-renounce-sopa/#comments You know how we feel about the anti-piracy/pro-censorship bill SOPA (we still think it's borderline evil) but now another developer is speaking out against it, and urging others to do so as well.

Nathan Fouts of Mommy's Best Games (Serious Sam: Double D) wrote a blog post asking the Entertainment Software Association to drop its continued support of the bill. "If you work at one of these companies," Fouts said to ESA members, "talk to your boss and get them talking to the ESA! Ask what your company's stance is!" He also wrote to gamers suggesting we, as people being represented by the ESA, should ask the association to drop SOPA support.

In addition to this open letter, Fouts has been tweeting at every ESA member with the message, "Hi, checking in with all on the ESA list. Does your company support SOPA? If not, could you ask the ESA to drop support? Thx!"

JoystiqMommy's Best Games asks ESA members to renounce SOPA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>esalegalmommys-best-gamesnathan-foutssopaTue, 03 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA wants $1.1 million reimbursement from California for SCOTUS battle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/esa-wants-1-1-million-reimbursement-from-california-for-scotus/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/esa-wants-1-1-million-reimbursement-from-california-for-scotus/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/esa-wants-1-1-million-reimbursement-from-california-for-scotus/#comments The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has filed for a $1.1 million reimbursement for attorneys' fees from the State of California for fighting Brown v. EMA.

The ESA's argument for reimbursement: "California persisted in defending a law that Plaintiffs warned the Legislature was unconstitutional before it was passed; that was previously found to be unconstitutional by the district court and a unanimous panel of the Ninth Circuit; and that is similar to at least eight other laws invalidated as unconstitutional prior to the time that California sought certiorari in this case."

If only California had heeded the ESA's warning after it publicly posted the $282,794 reimbursement check for legal fees it received from the state, following a lower court's decision back in 2008.

Continue reading ESA wants $1.1 million reimbursement from California for SCOTUS battle

JoystiqESA wants $1.1 million reimbursement from California for SCOTUS battle originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ab-1179CaliforniadsEntertainment-software-associationESAmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3pspSCOTUSsonywiixboxMon, 25 Jul 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Victory lap: ESA responds to Supreme Court decision]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/victory-lap-esa-responds-to-supreme-court-decision/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/victory-lap-esa-responds-to-supreme-court-decision/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/victory-lap-esa-responds-to-supreme-court-decision/#comments After battling the state of California since 2005, the Entertainment Software Association met the Supreme Court's historic decision today to classify video games as protected speech with both great joy and, we imagine, a tinge of sadness. During a press call this afternoon, ESA prez Michael Gallagher fielded question after question about the case, the court's dissenting opinions, and the likelihood of future legislation trying to curb the sale of violent games.

"This is the thirteenth consecutive decsion, and obviously the most important," Gallagher said, "upholding the first-amendment rights of video game developers and video game companies." After the Supreme Court decided to hear the California case, Gallagher says that the ESA has "seen a very steady drop-off in the volume of legislation targeted at content in our industry." In fact, "there's only a single federal bill that addresses these issues at the moment and it has at least one or no co-sponsors," Gallagher said proudly.

Continue reading Victory lap: ESA responds to Supreme Court decision

JoystiqVictory lap: ESA responds to Supreme Court decision originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AB-1179brown-vs-EMAEntertainment-software-associationESAMichael-GallagherpoliticsSchwarzenegger-v-EMASCOTUSMon, 27 Jun 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Supreme Court's Brown v. EMA opinions: A digest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/supreme-courts-brown-v-ema-opinions-a-digest/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/supreme-courts-brown-v-ema-opinions-a-digest/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/supreme-courts-brown-v-ema-opinions-a-digest/#comments Between the majority, concurring and dissenting opinions published in today's Supreme Court decision on Brown v. EMA, there's a good 92 pages of legalese for enthusiastic gaming activists to pore over. If you don't feel like flipping through a novella of legal documents in search of relevant, easily digestible bits, feel free to check out some highlights from each opinion, which we've compiled after the jump!

Continue reading Supreme Court's Brown v. EMA opinions: A digest

JoystiqSupreme Court's Brown v. EMA opinions: A digest originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ab-1179brown-v-emacaliforniacourtecaemaesaesrblawpoliticsSchwarzeneggerSchwarzenegger-v-EMAscotussupreme-courtMon, 27 Jun 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Analysis: What today's Supreme Court decision means to us]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/analysis-what-todays-supreme-court-decision-means-to-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/analysis-what-todays-supreme-court-decision-means-to-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/analysis-what-todays-supreme-court-decision-means-to-us/#comments In 2005, California state legislature passed Assembly Bill 1179, a law penned by Democratic state senator Leland Yee which prohibited the sale of violent video games to minors. The law mandated the application of special stickers to titles deemed too violent, and slapped retail employees who sold those games to anyone under the age of 18 with a maximum $1,000 fine. The law was signed by then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, but was struck down by the United States District Court for the Northern District of California before it could be enforced.

Following an unsuccessful appeal of that decision in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the law's progenitors petitioned for a hearing in the United States Supreme Court. The petition was successful, the case was argued last November and, earlier today, seven of the nine Supreme Court Justices decided to uphold the decision of the lower courts: California Assembly Bill 1179 violates the First Amendment rights afforded to all forms of media in the United States.

This decision obviously doesn't just affect Californian teenagers with a penchant for video games above their maturity level. It represents a vote of confidence in games and the non-governmental agency (see: The ESRB) which regulates their sale.

Continue reading Analysis: What today's Supreme Court decision means to us

JoystiqAnalysis: What today's Supreme Court decision means to us originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ab-1179censorshipecaesafirst-amendmentlawleland-yeepoliticsSchwarzeneggerSchwarzenegger-v-EMAscotussupreme-courtMon, 27 Jun 2011 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Supreme Court strikes down violent game-banning California law]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/supreme-court-strikes-down-violent-game-banning-california-law/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/supreme-court-strikes-down-violent-game-banning-california-law/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/supreme-court-strikes-down-violent-game-banning-california-law/#comments The Supreme Court of the United States has issued its opinions on Brown v. The Entertainment Merchants Association, a case which argued the Constitutionality of a (since struck down) California state law which banned the sale of "violent" video games to minors. The majority opinion, decided upon by seven of the court's nine Justices, is to once again strike down the law.

The majority opinion, in clear terms, states:
Like the protected books, plays, and movies that preceded them, video games communicate ideas-and even social messages-through many familiar literary devices (such as characters, dialogue, plot, and music) and through features distinctive to the medium (such as the player's interaction with the virtual world). That suffices to confer First Amendment protection. Under our Constitution, "esthetic and moral judgments about art and literature . . . are for the individual to make, not for the Government to decree, even with the mandate or approval of a majority."
The decision falls in line with other decisions of the lower courts regarding video game-banning legislation, such as the respective decisions of the Northern District of California Court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, both of which found the law unconstitutional. There was, of course, a dissenting opinion (in this case, representing the concerns of Justices Thomas and Breyer) which states:
The practices and beliefs of the founding generation establish that "the freedom of speech," as originally understood, does not include a right to speak to minors (or a right of minors to access speech) without going through the minors' parents or guardians. I would hold that the law at issue is not facially unconstitutional under the First Amendment, and reverse and remand for further proceedings.
We're sure to hear more from the Entertainment Software Association and other games lobbying groups in the coming hours, but the word from the highest court in the land is a promising one: Games, regardless of content, deserve the same First Amendment protections afforded to all other forms of expression in the United States.

Continue reading Supreme Court strikes down violent game-banning California law

JoystiqSupreme Court strikes down violent game-banning California law originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 10:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ab-1179californiaesafirst-amendmentlawpoliticsSchwarzenegger-v-EMAscotussupreme-courtMon, 27 Jun 2011 10:21:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 returns June 5-7 2012 to LA, not leaving city any time soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-returns-june-5-7-2012-to-la-not-leaving-city-any-time-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-returns-june-5-7-2012-to-la-not-leaving-city-any-time-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-returns-june-5-7-2012-to-la-not-leaving-city-any-time-soon/#comments The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) announced today that E3 2011 welcomed 46,800 attendees and will return June 5-7, 2012, to the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Despite rumors that there is a possibility E3 could leave LA, sources close to the subject tell Joystiq that the LACC venue is locked for at least the next several years and even moving the show would require a venue that very few cities can provide. Officially, the ESA estimated that E3 2011 contributed more than $25 million in revenue to the city of Los Angeles.

Continue reading E3 returns June 5-7 2012 to LA, not leaving city any time soon

JoystiqE3 returns June 5-7 2012 to LA, not leaving city any time soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2011e3-2012ESAmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3wiixboxThu, 09 Jun 2011 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA 2011 'Essential Facts' note rise in women, adult gamers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/esa-2011-essential-facts-note-rise-in-women-adult-gamers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/esa-2011-essential-facts-note-rise-in-women-adult-gamers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/esa-2011-essential-facts-note-rise-in-women-adult-gamers/#comments The Entertainment Software Association's annual (dry name alert!) "Essential Facts About the Computer and Video Game Industry" [PDF link] is available now for public perusal. The latest report shows a slight increase in the average age of game players, inching closer to a midlife crisis age of 37 from last year's age of 34. There was also a two percent increase in the female demographic, which now accounts for 42 percent of players.

The report also mentioned that purchases of digitally distributed titles now account for 24 percent of the market, generating $5.9 billion in revenue. Consumers spent $25.1 billion on game content, hardware and accessories in 2010.

Continue reading ESA 2011 'Essential Facts' note rise in women, adult gamers

JoystiqESA 2011 'Essential Facts' note rise in women, adult gamers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsEntertainment-software-associationESAessential-factsEssential-Facts-About-the-Computer-and-Video-Game-Industrymicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxWed, 08 Jun 2011 08:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Child's Play golf tournament to be held just before E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/childs-play-golf-tournament-to-be-held-just-before-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/childs-play-golf-tournament-to-be-held-just-before-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/childs-play-golf-tournament-to-be-held-just-before-e3/#comments Child's Play and the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) Foundation are teaming up for the first annual Child's Play Invitational Golf Tournament. The event will be held at the Brookside Golf Course in Pasadena on Sunday, June 5, right before E3 kicks off.

The entrance fee for the tournament (a third of which is tax deductible) is $150 for those with clubs, or $175 if you need to rent some -- we hear they frown upon picking up sticks from the ground to use as clubs. All proceeds go to the Child's Play network and partner hospitals. Beyond the good feeling of helping sick children, the entrance fee will also net participants gift bags and other perks; it's all listed after the break.

Continue reading Child's Play golf tournament to be held just before E3

JoystiqChild's Play golf tournament to be held just before E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitychilds-playchilds-play-charityEntertainment-software-associationentertainment-software-association-foundationesaWed, 20 Apr 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 Expo putting 'caps' on media badges based on site traffic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/e3-expo-putting-caps-on-media-badges-based-on-site-traffic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/e3-expo-putting-caps-on-media-badges-based-on-site-traffic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/e3-expo-putting-caps-on-media-badges-based-on-site-traffic/#comments "Sneaking" into E3 2011 is going to be a lot more difficult for many enthusiasts than it has been in the past. According to an email sent out by the E3 Media Team (i.e., the ESA) and forwarded to us by a tipster, "E3 Expo 2011 show management has placed 'caps' on this year's media badge assignments due to the tremendous number of requests for media badges. As part of the overall qualification process, the Media Team uses Compete.com, xinureturns.com, Quantcast.com and Alexa as the standard measurement/ranking tools in determining media badge approvals for online-based applicants."

Over the years, the ESA has experimented with controlling E3 attendance at the behest of game publishers, but this year's new measures have have raised concerns about promoting a "closed loop." Limiting entry based on site traffic suggests that well-trafficked sites will be the ones to gain increased access to publishers and developers, and, in turn, more traffic, while smaller, independent sites will be stifled by the restriction and unable to grow. Another concern points out that the data generated by sites like Compete can be inaccurate, given "you have to insert code to properly track" for the service.

"We require that sites be fully launched, operational for six months, and that the website receives a minimum of 8,000 monthly unique impressions as a baseline for each media badge issued," adds the email notice (published in full after the break). That means if you haven't started your New Year's resolution to launch a video games site yet, it's too late to "pull a Destructoid." Of course, if you happen to work at Roscoe's, we might be able to work something out ... for a taste of that sweet, sweet unicorn meat.

Continue reading E3 Expo putting 'caps' on media badges based on site traffic

JoystiqE3 Expo putting 'caps' on media badges based on site traffic originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3-2011esaregistrationFri, 04 Feb 2011 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA General Counsel Kenneth Doroshow moves on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/29/esa-general-counsel-kenneth-doroshow-moves-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/29/esa-general-counsel-kenneth-doroshow-moves-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/29/esa-general-counsel-kenneth-doroshow-moves-on/#comments The Entertainment Software Association has confirmed to Gamasutra that its General Counsel, Kenneth Doroshow, has left the organization to join forces with Burford Group, an investment advising firm based in Washington D.C.. You might remember Doroshow for his work in the Schwarzenegger v. EMA Supreme Court hearing last November, in which -- we think we can all agree -- the dude dunked all over the opposition's legal representatives. Like, he slam dunked it in their faces, and was all like, "Booyah," basically.

We wish Doroshow the best of luck with his new position, and hope the remainder of his career is marked by multitudes of equally boombastic, totally nasty slamma-jammas.

JoystiqESA General Counsel Kenneth Doroshow moves on originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Jan 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ab-1179emaesageneral-counselkenneth-doroshowlawpoliticsSchwarzenegger-v-EMAsupreme-courtSat, 29 Jan 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA goes on offense regarding 'flawed' video game study]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/esa-goes-on-offense-regarding-flawed-video-game-study/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/esa-goes-on-offense-regarding-flawed-video-game-study/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/esa-goes-on-offense-regarding-flawed-video-game-study/#comments The Entertainment Software Association recently issued a press release calling the credibility of an article which will be published in the February issue of Pediatrics (which we're sure you all subscribe to) into question. The article is penned by Iowa State professor Douglas Gentile, whose previous essays attempt to link gaming with addiction and alcoholism. The article in question is equally inflammatory: It attempts to draw a connection between video games and mental health problems in Singaporean children.

The ESA claims that Gentile's "definition of 'pathological gaming' is neither scientifically nor medically accepted and the type of measure used has been criticized by other scholars." The group's senior vice president for communications and industry affairs Richard Taylor added "We commend credible, independent, and verifiable research about computer and video games. However, this research is just more of the same questionable findings by the same author in his campaign against video games."

We'll have to wait until the February issue of Pediatrics arrives before passing our own judgment. We'll make sure to share our insight on the rest of the articles therein as well -- we've got a few choice words to share about a certain exposé on Spongebob Squarepants-themed tongue depressors.

Continue reading ESA goes on offense regarding 'flawed' video game study

JoystiqESA goes on offense regarding 'flawed' video game study originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>douglas-gentileesapediatricssciencesingaporestudyFri, 14 Jan 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011 exhibitor list revealed, the panic begins]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/e3-2011-exhibitor-list-revealed-the-panic-begins/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/e3-2011-exhibitor-list-revealed-the-panic-begins/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/e3-2011-exhibitor-list-revealed-the-panic-begins/#comments Oh, God. Oh, God! Wasn't E3 2010 like, last week? It can't possibly be time for us to start planning our multi-tiered assault on the gaming industry's biggest news hurricane of the year again, can it? We'd like to think not -- but the recently revealed E3 2011 exhibitors list which just arrived in our inbox says otherwise.

You can check out the full list of exhibitors after the jump, following which, you can feel free to start wildly prognosticating what each company is going to bring to the table. Here, we'll start: Epic Games? Probably bringing some news about Gears of War 3. Bethesda Softworks? Some details about Skyrim, we bet. Turtle Beach? Real, live turtles for every single E3 attendee. Trust us, we have a good feeling about that one.

Continue reading E3 2011 exhibitor list revealed, the panic begins

JoystiqE3 2011 exhibitor list revealed, the panic begins originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3-2011esaeventsexhibitorsMon, 10 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox-modder trial underway, no plea bargain offered [update: case dismissed!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/xbox-modder-trial-underway-no-plea-bargain-offered/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/xbox-modder-trial-underway-no-plea-bargain-offered/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/xbox-modder-trial-underway-no-plea-bargain-offered/#commentsThe landmark jury trial of Matthew Crippen, indicted on two federal counts last fall for running a side-business in which he modded Xbox 360s at his home, began yesterday with opening statements in a Los Angeles court. Wired's colorful report of U.S. District Judge Philip Gutierrez's colorful reaction to the prosecution's case suggested that the government could be headed toward a deal with Crippen during an early-afternoon recess.

"I really don't understand what we're doing here," Gutierrez apparently "roared," as he ripped into the prosecution. The judge questioned government prosecutors' use of two witnesses who may have broken the law themselves and prosecutors' instructions to the jury that it was unnecessary to prove Crippen had knowingly breached the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. The judge apparently backtracked on an earlier ruling that had prohibited a "fair use" defense (i.e., modding for back-up or homebrew purposes). "The only way to be able to play copied games is to circumvent the technology," Gutierrez said. "How about back-up games and the homebrewed?"

However, prosecutors returned from recess yesterday determined to convict Crippen, 28, on two counts of violating the DMCA (for a maximum sentence of ten years) by proving he knew he was breaking the law. ESA investigator Tony Rosario was called to the stand to recount how he had visited Crippen's Anaheim, Calif. home in 2008 and paid the defendant $60 to mod an Xbox 360. Rosario secretly videotaped the procedure -- which the defense argues is a violation of the state's privacy law -- though he did not capture video evidence of Crippen allegedly playing a pirated game on the modded console (nor did he include this supposed fact in his original report or sworn declarations). Still, the prosecution offered up a pile of a 150 pirated games, apparently seized by authorities from Crippen's home, which it hoped would show jurors that the defendant had a clear understanding that he was involved in illegal activity.

Rosario is expected to return to the stand today, followed by two additional prosecution witnesses: a federal agent, who also allegedly paid Crippen to mod a 360, and a Microsoft employee, a so-called expert on Xbox security (and self-admitted modder in his younger days). The defense is scheduled to begin its case tomorrow.

Follow the drama on Wired's Threat Level blog. Update: Prosecutors dismissed their case today, Wired reports, saying their decision was "based on fairness and justice" (read: they made errors). "It still has not hit me yet," Crippen said outside of the courtroom.

[Pictured: Matthew Crippen; photo credit: David Kravets/Wired.com]

JoystiqXbox-modder trial underway, no plea bargain offered [update: case dismissed!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allen-chiucallie-steelecopyrightdmcaesafair-usehackerhackingken-mcgraillawlegallos-angelesmatthew-crippenmicrosoftmoddermoddingmodsphilip-gutierrezpiracytony-rosariotrialus-district-courtxboxThu, 02 Dec 2010 15:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Schwarzenegger vs. EMA, the recap]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/03/schwarzenegger-vs-ema-the-recap/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/03/schwarzenegger-vs-ema-the-recap/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/03/schwarzenegger-vs-ema-the-recap/#comments Yesterday's Supreme Court hearing was one for the history books. The great state of California - represented here by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, ironically no stranger to media violence himself - versus the Entertainment Merchants Association, "the not-for-profit international trade association dedicated to advancing the interests of the $33 billion home entertainment industry," according to its website. At stake: just the future of free speech in video games, is all! ECA lawyer Jennifer Mercurio puts it succinctly, "I'd say it's clearly the most important and influential decision that the video game industry has ever faced."

To get you up to speed on yesterday's goings-on, we've prepared this handy post. We've got pictures from the ECA-organized Gamer's Rally held before the court opened yesterday morning; pictured above is Jenner and Block LLP Partner Paul M. Smith, lead counsel for the video game industry in yesterday's proceedings. For the readers out there, try the full transcription of the oral arguments and, should 72 pages be a little dense for your lunchtime reading, we've encapsulated it all for you in our handy writeup here. Give it a read and impress your coworkers over lunch. "Did you read the Supreme Court transcript from yesterday? No? Well, I did and ..."

If you're looking for some background on what exactly Schwarzenegger vs. EMA could mean for consumers, look no further than our interview with the ECA's Jennifer Mercurio. If you're more interested in how the game industry sees itself in this mess, then you need to read our interview with ESA General Counsel Kenneth Doroshow. If you're curious about how things went for the ol' game industry, read ESA prez Michael Gallaghers comments following the Supreme Court session. "The argument today was very lively, the justices were very informed and the dialogue clearly established that video games are entitled to the same treatment as movies, music, books and other forms of entertainment."

There's one final option, though. You could skip all that and simply read our highlight reel of SCOTUS quotes featuring additional commentary from the NBA Jam guy and well, that's fine too.

Gallery: ECA Gamer Rally (11/2/2010)

Continue reading Schwarzenegger vs. EMA, the recap

JoystiqSchwarzenegger vs. EMA, the recap originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ab-1179ECAESAPaul-M-SmithSchwarzenegger-v-EMASCOTUSWed, 03 Nov 2010 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA confident its case was heard in Supreme Court argument]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/esa-confident-its-case-was-heard-in-supreme-court-argument/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/esa-confident-its-case-was-heard-in-supreme-court-argument/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/esa-confident-its-case-was-heard-in-supreme-court-argument/#comments Following today's oral arguments session in the U.S. Supreme Court case Schwarzenegger v. EMA, representatives from the Entertainment Software Association (they're on the EMA side) held a conference call to discuss how they thought things went. ESA president Michael Gallagher was optimistic, saying, "Today was a historic day, not only for the computer and video game industry, but for the First Amendment." He added, "I think that in court today, you heard every single argument the industry has made, articulated not just by Paul [Smith] ... but by the justices themselves."

"ESA is very, very proud of the work that was done by Paul," Gallagher said. "The argument today was very lively, the justices were very informed and the dialogue clearly established that video games are entitled to the same treatment as movies, music, books and other forms of entertainment."

Jenner and Block counsel of record Paul Smith, who presented the EMA's arguments during today's hearings, was similarly optimistic. He offered his opinion that the representative from California's arguments didn't satisfy the "strict scrutiny" requirements needed to revoke video games' First Amendment protections. He added, "Though there's obviously a great deal of complexity in the whole thing -- and it's very difficult to come away knowing with any sense of confidence where the court's going to come down specifically -- we do feel pretty good about having all of our arguments aired, and getting a lot of traction."

ESA general counsel and senior vice president Kenneth Doroshow echoed Smith's confidence, saying, "It was gratifying to hear all of the themes we had presented in our papers echoed by one or more justices at various times throughout the day. We feel very confident that our case was heard as thoroughly and carefully as it can be."

"There's really no way to know for sure how this is going to come out," Doroshow said, "but we at least feel good that the best case possible was put forward for the industry and our position."

JoystiqESA confident its case was heard in Supreme Court argument originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 16:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ab-1179californiaemaesalawpoliticsSchwarzeneggersupreme-courtTue, 02 Nov 2010 16:42:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA General Counsel lays out game industry argument to the Supreme Court]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/esa-general-counsel-lays-out-game-industry-argument-to-the-supre/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/esa-general-counsel-lays-out-game-industry-argument-to-the-supre/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/esa-general-counsel-lays-out-game-industry-argument-to-the-supre/#comments When the clock strikes 10 a.m. tomorrow morning in Washington, D.C., the Supreme Court will begin hearing oral arguments in the case of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger v. Entertainment Merchants Association. By now, you know how the results of this landmark case will affect the video game industry and its consumers -- but who's actually going to bat for the industry in tomorrow's hearings? More importantly, how does that litigatory sausage get made?

Entertainment Software Association general counsel and senior vice president Kenneth Doroshow is one such batter (or sausage-maker, depending on which of the previous metaphors you followed). A media law heavyweight in his own right, Doroshow has served as an executive for the Recording Industry Association of America and as senior counsel the U.S. Department of Justice before joining the ESA in September 2008. Tomorrow, he'll be one of the legal representatives for the Entertainment Merchants Association, responsible for helping it make its side of the argument to the Supreme Court.

Doroshow broke down the specifics of that argument for us earlier today. To learn about the case the ESA is presenting in court tomorrow -- as well as the possible repercussions of the Supreme Court's decision -- check out our Q&A with Doroshow after the jump.

Continue reading ESA General Counsel lays out game industry argument to the Supreme Court

JoystiqESA General Counsel lays out game industry argument to the Supreme Court originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 20:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ab-1179californiaemaentertainment-merchants-associationEntertainment-software-associationesafirst-amendmentkenneth-doroshowlawleland-yeepoliticsSchwarzeneggersupreme-courtMon, 01 Nov 2010 20:08:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA publishes '2010 Essential Facts' for Canadian game industry]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/31/esa-publishes-2010-essential-facts-for-canadian-game-industry/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/31/esa-publishes-2010-essential-facts-for-canadian-game-industry/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/31/esa-publishes-2010-essential-facts-for-canadian-game-industry/#comments The Entertainment Software Association recently released its "2010 Essential Facts" report, an annual catalog of statistics regarding video game sales and consumers, for the Canadian games industry (PDF). According to the group's study, 47 percent of Canadian households own a PS3, 360 or Wii, and the average gamer's age is 33 -- both of which mirror the 2010 Essential Facts report on the American games industry (PDF).

The similarities don't stop there -- the study found that 38 percent of Canadian gamers are women, compared to the US' 40 percent. Also, stats regarding parental supervision while purchasing and playing games is as reassuringly high as it was for American parents. Check out a few video testimonials from Canadian game developers about the relative radness of their nation's gaming industry after the jump.

Continue reading ESA publishes '2010 Essential Facts' for Canadian game industry

JoystiqESA publishes '2010 Essential Facts' for Canadian game industry originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadaesaesa-canadaessential-factsindustrysalesstatisticsSun, 31 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Senator Yee's office recommends you mail him Kinect, not 'dated controllers']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/senator-yees-office-recommends-you-mail-him-kinect-not-dated/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/senator-yees-office-recommends-you-mail-him-kinect-not-dated/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/senator-yees-office-recommends-you-mail-him-kinect-not-dated/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In a cheeky response to the Video Game Voters Network initiative to bombard California senator Leland Yee's office with old and broken controllers, Yee's chief of staff Adam Keigwin told GamePolitics, "I think the Senator would appreciate a Kinect add-on rather than those dated controllers." That wasn't his only zinger.

"I can only assume these broken controllers must represent the broken promises of the video game industry to parents," Keigwin quipped in his reply to GP on the matter, before firing off a list of "free speech awards" Sen. Yee has earned for his apparent commitment to the First Amendment. "In fact, there is not a California legislator who has authored more bills to promote speech rights than Senator Yee."

Sen. Yee is the author of Caifornia's law AB 1179, signed by Gov. Schwarzenegger in 2005, which bans the sale of certain "violent" games to minors. Two years later, the Ninth District Court of Appeals found AB 1179 to be a violation of the First Amendment and effectively terminated the law. However, the Governator fought back, leading us up to November 2, 2010: the day the U.S. Supreme Court will hear opening arguments in the case -- and two days before any of us can actually send Yee a Kinect unit.

Would the senator settle for a Move in the meantime?

JoystiqSenator Yee's office recommends you mail him Kinect, not 'dated controllers' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ab-1179adam-keigwincaliforniaesafirst-amendmentkinectleland-yeemicrosoftperipheralsvgvnxboxFri, 08 Oct 2010 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[The ESA wants YOU (to send in your broken controllers)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/the-esa-wants-you-to-send-in-your-broken-controllers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/the-esa-wants-you-to-send-in-your-broken-controllers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/the-esa-wants-you-to-send-in-your-broken-controllers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With oral arguments set to begin on November 2 in the Schwarzenegger v. EMA/ESA Supreme Court case, the ESA, via its Video Game Voters Network (VGVN), is looking to send a message to the proposed law's chief proponent, California senator Leland Yee. As part of a campaign against the anti-game legislation, which the ESA terms "unconstitutional, unwarranted and unnecessary," the VGVN is asking gamers to send their old or broken controllers to Yee.

Additionally, the VGVN asks that gamers inscribe the message "I believe in the First Amendment" onto said controllers (we've illustrated the concept using an old ColecoVision steering wheel; pictured above), hoping Yee will understand that games should be protected as free speech -- and, perhaps more importantly, that game players are voters too. The VGVN adds that game accessories and cables are acceptable as well, making this the perfect time to finally put that GBA-GameCube link cable to good use.

Head over to the VGVN website for more details on how to send off your controllers and join the cause.

Continue reading The ESA wants YOU (to send in your broken controllers)

JoystiqThe ESA wants YOU (to send in your broken controllers) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ab-1179californiadsesaleland-yeemacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3pspscotussonyvgvnwiixboxThu, 07 Oct 2010 15:05:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA prez addresses upcoming Supreme Court case in Baltimore Sun op-ed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/05/esa-prez-addresses-upcoming-supreme-court-case-in-op-ed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/05/esa-prez-addresses-upcoming-supreme-court-case-in-op-ed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/05/esa-prez-addresses-upcoming-supreme-court-case-in-op-ed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In an editorial written by Entertainment Software Association president Michael Gallagher for The Baltimore Sun, the executive laid out for the mainstream why California's proposed video game law is "based on the discredited myth that the fictional depiction of violence actually causes real violence."

"Never before has the Supreme Court restricted freedom of speech on the basis of violent content," writes Gallagher. "There is no logic in restricting sales of video games, which use avatars, but not books or movies, which often depict violence committed by -- and upon -- real people." This statement follows support from organizations representing other forms of media, which have submitted briefs backing the ESA. (If video games aren't protected, that means other media is at risk.)

"Legal precedent, expert opinion and logic all yield the same conclusion: The California statue is unconstitutional, unwarranted and unnecessary," Gallagher concludes. "Based on the law and the facts -- not the myths -- we hope the U.S. Supreme Court concurs."

Give the editorial a read. A decision in the case, Schwarzenegger v. EMA/ESA, is expected by Spring 2011; the Supreme Court will hear the opening oral arguments next month.

JoystiqESA prez addresses upcoming Supreme Court case in Baltimore Sun op-ed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ab-1179dsEntertainment-software-associationESAmichael-gallaghermicrosoftmike-gallaghernintendopcplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxTue, 05 Oct 2010 12:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Common Sense Media: 72 percent of parents support proposed Calif. violent game law]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/13/common-sense-media-72-percent-of-parents-support-proposed-calif/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/13/common-sense-media-72-percent-of-parents-support-proposed-calif/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/13/common-sense-media-72-percent-of-parents-support-proposed-calif/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The non-profit, family-centric organization known as Common Sense Media recently published the results of a nationwide poll conducted by Zogby International, which asked 2,100 parents about their stance on the contested California law that would ban the sale of "offensively violent" games to minors. According to a press release from the group, 72 percent of respondents support the ban, while 75 percent would "rate the video game industry negatively when it comes to how they protect kids from violent video games."

Said Common Sense Media founder James Steyer: "What we've learned from this poll is that parents want to be the ones who decide which games their kids play, not the video game industry."

Of course, the Supreme Court isn't ruling on who decides which games kids play. The court's ruling on whether First Amendment protections can be waived for games deemed by ... someone to be too violent, formalizing a policy already adopted by major retailers into a California state law. Parents, as far as we know, still have the final say over what media their kids are allowed to consume -- not the video game industry, the ESRB, Governor Schwarzenegger or even the Supreme Court.

Then again, when you support your position with videos like the one posted after the jump (the link to which was included in Common Sense's press release), we can understand why parents might lose the equanimity required to make that distinction.

Continue reading Common Sense Media: 72 percent of parents support proposed Calif. violent game law

JoystiqCommon Sense Media: 72 percent of parents support proposed Calif. violent game law originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ab-1179californiacommon-sense-mediaemaesapollSchwarzeneggersupreme-courtviolenceMon, 13 Sep 2010 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Entertainment Software Association files brief in Supreme Court case]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/11/entertainment-software-association-files-brief-in-supreme-court/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/11/entertainment-software-association-files-brief-in-supreme-court/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/11/entertainment-software-association-files-brief-in-supreme-court/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Entertainment Software Association and Entertainment Merchants Association have voiced their side of the upcoming Supreme Court review of the 2005 California law which prohibits the sale of "offensively violent" games to minors. The two organizations have filed a joint brief in the Supreme Court, which explicitly states (several times) that "the California statute is unnecessary, unwarranted, and unconstitutional."

The brief adds, "it would threaten freedom of expression not just for video games, but for all art forms. It would also tie up our courts in endless debates about what constitutes acceptable creative expression in our media. It protects no one and assaults the constitutional rights of artists and storytellers everywhere." Of course, in these matters, it would be irresponsible for us to side with one of the two involved parties but OH MAN COME ON THE ESA IS TOTALLY RIGHT.

Check out the entirety of the brief on the ESA's official site. Stay tuned -- Schwarzenegger v. Entertainment Merchants Association and Entertainment Software Association will go into oral argument November 2.

JoystiqEntertainment Software Association files brief in Supreme Court case originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ab-1179californiaemaesalawpoliticsSchwarzeneggersupreme-courtSat, 11 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA reports 300 institutions offering game design classes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/esa-reports-300-institutions-offering-game-design-classes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/esa-reports-300-institutions-offering-game-design-classes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/esa-reports-300-institutions-offering-game-design-classes/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Once again, the number of institutions offering gaming industry-centric courses has seen a significant year-over-year increase. According to a study from the Entertainment Software Association, game design, art and programming courses will be taught in 300 of America's colleges, universities and trade schools during this academic year.

Unsurprisingly, California plays host to a majority of these institutions with 40 in-state schools offering game programs, with New York and Texas trailing behind with 26 and 21 schools, respectively. We guess that's why most games take place in cities like Los Angeles, New York City and Fort Worth. (Wait, you've never played a video game set in Fort Worth? Dude, you need to get with the program.)

JoystiqESA reports 300 institutions offering game design classes originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collegeeducationesaschooluniversityTue, 17 Aug 2010 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA: Games industry responsible for $5 billion of US economy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/esa-games-industry-responsible-for-5-billion-of-us-economy/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/esa-games-industry-responsible-for-5-billion-of-us-economy/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/esa-games-industry-responsible-for-5-billion-of-us-economy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A study commissioned by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) found that the video game industry added about $5 billion to the US economy in 2009. The report, "Video Games in the 21st Century: The 2010 Report" [PDF link], claims the industry directly employs about 32,000 people in the States and indirectly employs 120,000 (GameStop employees, video game media, manufacturing and distribution). The average industry employee has an annual compensation of $89,781 -- of course, there's a wide range in that average.

A whopping 41 percent, or 13,041 of industry employees, call California home. Texas and Washington are the next closest, with 3,307 and 2,987 (approximately 10 percent apiece), respectively. The annual growth rate of the industry exceeded 10 percent between 2005 and 2009, which is good -- especially when taking the last few years of bad employment news into account.

JoystiqESA: Games industry responsible for $5 billion of US economy originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesseconomicsEntertainment-software-associationESAthe-esaUSAVideo-Games-In-The-21st-CenturyTue, 10 Aug 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA's Jeff Green chimes in on California game law Supreme Court case]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/eas-jeff-green-chimes-in-on-california-game-law-supreme-court-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/eas-jeff-green-chimes-in-on-california-game-law-supreme-court-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/eas-jeff-green-chimes-in-on-california-game-law-supreme-court-c/#commentsFiled under: , ,

[Image Source]
If you were looking for a concise explanation of why you should care about the upcoming Supreme Court review of California's oft-defeated measure to outlaw the sale of "excessively" violent games to minors, look no further than the blog of EA's Jeff Green. Then again, you've probably heard his argument before: Films have the MPAA, and games have the ESRB. Why does Gov. Schwarzenegger think the first can be self-regulated, while the second must be restricted by state law?

Green worries that, should the law be reenacted, it could have "a chilling effect on the gaming industry as a whole," forcing developers to constantly second-guess the content that goes into their games. He encourages everyone who wants to voice their opinion on the bill to speak up on this ECA-penned petition.

JoystiqEA's Jeff Green chimes in on California game law Supreme Court case originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bancaliforniaeaecaesajeff-greenlawSchwarzeneggersupreme-courtviolenceTue, 13 Jul 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New White House plan increases FBI anti-piracy force]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/23/new-white-house-plan-increases-fbi-anti-piracy-force/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/23/new-white-house-plan-increases-fbi-anti-piracy-force/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/23/new-white-house-plan-increases-fbi-anti-piracy-force/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Yesterday, the White House announced its new Joint Strategic Plan on Intellectual Property Enforcement. In the plan, Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator Victoria Espinel describes an initiative to increase FBI resources devoted to investigating and curbing piracy of films, games, and other materials.

In addition to the five agents doing full-time IP work at the FBI's Intellectual Property Rights Unit, "by the end of FY 2010, the FBI intends to employ over 50 Special Agents exclusively devoted to pursuing intellectual property investigations operating in field offices throughout the country and four enhanced intellectual property squads."

ESA president Michael Gallagher spoke in support of the plan in a statement released yesterday. "We deeply appreciate the efforts of Vice President Biden and Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator Espinel and their leadership and vision in this critical area," Gallagher said. "We also applaud the numerous federal departments and agencies that are committed to protecting intellectual property rights, here and in foreign markets - both of which are critical to our industry's continuing growth and ability to deliver innovative entertainment experiences."

JoystiqNew White House plan increases FBI anti-piracy force originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ESAFBIMichael-GallagherpiracyWhite-HouseWed, 23 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011 scheduled June 7-9; 2010 welcomed 45,600 attendees]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/17/e3-2011-scheduled-june-7-9-2010-welcomed-45-600-attendees/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/17/e3-2011-scheduled-june-7-9-2010-welcomed-45-600-attendees/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/17/e3-2011-scheduled-june-7-9-2010-welcomed-45-600-attendees/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Entertainment Software Association is hours away from finishing up another E3 and telling the 45,600 attendees (from 90 countries) that they don't have to go home, but they can't stay at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The video game circus returns to the LACC on June 7-9, 2011.

Working off last year's successful template of controlled chaos, this year's show welcomed 300 exhibitors and appeared to bring the expected spectacle on a navigable show floor. We've still got plenty of coverage, so keep an eye on our E3 2010 page for the latest.

JoystiqE3 2011 scheduled June 7-9; 2010 welcomed 45,600 attendees originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2010e3-2011entertainment-software-associationesaThu, 17 Jun 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA 'humble' about chances against California in Supreme Court case]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/esa-humble-about-chances-against-california-in-supreme-court-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/esa-humble-about-chances-against-california-in-supreme-court-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/esa-humble-about-chances-against-california-in-supreme-court-c/#commentsFiled under: , ,

[Laura Padgett]
Entertainment Software Association President Michael Gallagher mentioned in a briefing yesterday that he has a "great amount of respect for the Supreme Court" and feels modest about the trade group's chances of defeating the California game law heading to the United States' highest court.

"We're very humble about our prospects before the court greatly. We believe we're on the side of right here," Gallagher stated. "We've believed that for 10 years. That hasn't wavered one iota. You go into this preparing to win, but also very prepared to handle the other conclusions as well." The State of California and ESA will submit briefs to the court, along with supporting briefs, over the next few months. Oral arguments are expected this fall with a decision by the court next spring.

Asked if he believes winning will change the way States go about game laws, Gallagher explained, "[State government] moves like lightning and moves -- depending on where you are -- in an informed or uninformed manner. If we win, then we feel we'll be done at long last with these content issues. Video games ... it's already been recognized through a dozen decisions that we're entitled to the same first amendment treatment as movies, as music, as books. That is what we're hoping will be the law of the land at the conclusion of this case. So, we win, we can put this behind us and focus on incentives for the industry." Gallagher expressed those incentives included focusing on jobs and tax incentives for the industry, instead of regulatory issues.

Of course, if the Supreme Court finds in favor of California, the executive believes states will react immediately and the industry will be embroiled in trying to figure out what to do. He also notes that such a decision wouldn't just be about regulating games, but it opens up the door to going after movies, television and books.

JoystiqESA 'humble' about chances against California in Supreme Court case originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ab-1179californiacalifornia-game-lawe3e3-2010Entertainment-software-associationesamichael-gallaghermike-gallagherSupreme-CourtTue, 15 Jun 2010 04:00:00 EST