Joystiq

ESRB relaxes rules for trailers and demos of M-rated games

JC Fletcher — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST

Good news for people who hate age gates. The ESRB has released revised rules for the marketing of games rated M for Mature (or games likely to be), reported by Giant Bomb, allowing trailers and demos of such games to be released on websites without age gates - as long as those trailers are designed for "general" audiences and approved by the ESRB. Such trailers will include green headers noting that they have been approved for a general audience, much like those in front of movie trailers.

The ESRB also allows M-rated games to be promoted via demos included in other games, even if those games have a more permissive rating. This requires ESRB approval, however, and research suggesting that the two games have the same intended audience.

Other new rules include removing the mandatory 4-second ESRB logo in front of demos, as long as the rating is shown on the download page, and a removal of a restriction on placing multiple regional ratings next to each other on websites.

ESRB relaxes rules for trailers and demos of M-rated games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

ESA holding student competition, winners to be shown at E3

Mike Schramm — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 23:00:00 EST

The Entertainment Software Association is launching an E3 College Game Competition this year, designed to spotlight some solid student game creations at the upcoming E3 convention in Los Angeles. Over 400 schools have been invited to submit "story details and content assets" for a video game they might make, with the ESA (along with the help of industry veterans and professionals) planning to choose the best five by May.

Those five finalists will then be offered the opportunity to present at this year's E3, and get their games and ideas in front of the media and some of the biggest game developers and publishers in the world. IndieCade has been able to show off some of its games at E3 for a few years now, but this competition is designed to honor student work in the same way.

ESA president Mike Gallagher says the group "intends to honor student achievement and provide a deserved spotlight at E3." Interested teachers who haven't yet been contacted about the contest can find out more by emailing the ESA; you can find more info in the press release below.

Continue reading ESA holding student competition, winners to be shown at E3

ESA holding student competition, winners to be shown at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Feb 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Biden talks video game violence with industry representatives today

Sinan Kubba — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 08:35:00 EST

US vice-president Joe Biden is meeting with games industry representatives today to discuss the role of violent video games with regards to gun violence, as part of a response to last month's massacre at a Connecticut elementary school. As the Associated Press reports, today's meeting in Washington is the latest in a series of discussions Biden's task force is undertaking before presenting recommendations on how to suppress gun violence to President Barack Obama on Tuesday, January 15.

Meetings with film industry representatives and the National Rifle Association took place yesterday, with the NRA emerging "disappointed" from what it felt was an attack on the Second Amendment, objecting to a number of proposals including limits on high-capacity ammunition magazines and bans on assault weapons.

The Entertainment Software Association confirmed to Polygon that it's being represented at today's meeting by president Michael Gallagher. Sources involved with the meeting told Polygon other attendees include representatives for game publishers, research on the impact of video games on children, and the retail sector.

Several industry organizations, such as the International Game Developers Association and the Electronic Consumer Association, issued open letters to the vice president ahead of today's meeting. The IGDA calls on the government to consider the "totality" of research into video game violence, and to avoid causing the games industry similar damage to that suffered by the comic book industry because of the censorship laws of the 1950s. Similarly, the ECA notes a negative correlation between the growth of the games industry and the decrease in violent crime across the last decade.

As Polygon learned this week, there are plans to reintroduce a bill to Congress calling for a Federal Trade Commission study into connections between violent video games and harmful effects on children. The bill, originally brought to Congress last month following the Connecticut shooting, failed to make it through the 112th session on January 2. Its author, West Virginia senator Jay Rockefeller, is likely to reintroduce the bill before the end of the month. Previous FTC studies failed to establish any causal connections between violent video games and violent behavior.

Biden talks video game violence with industry representatives today originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jan 2013 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GREE, Mad Catz, and NetDragon Websoft join ESA

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 05:00:00 EST

The Entertainment Software Association's membership grew by three members this morning, as the ESA announced GREE, Mad Catz, and NetDragon Websoft to have joined its "membership roster." The ESA notes that this brings its membership up to 34 member companies, representing both publishers and developers.

The addition of GREE and Mad Catz is no surprise - both companies have taken a more aggressive approach to game industry visibility in the past few years, and joining the ESA seems like a logical step. NetDragon Websoft, according to our brethren at Massively, is a Chinese MMO developer signed on to bring Ultima Online to China, Hong Kong, Macau, and India with Electronic Arts.

Now that all three companies are card-carrying ESA members, perhaps a congrats are in order? We'll consider sending a fruit basket.

Continue reading GREE, Mad Catz, and NetDragon Websoft join ESA

GREE, Mad Catz, and NetDragon Websoft join ESA originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

E3 2013 confirmed for Los Angeles, taking place June 11-13

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 09:02:00 EST

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) resolved its spat with the city of Los Angeles, announcing it will hold E3 in the city again from June 11-13, 2013. The annual industry mega show, which has been held in Los Angeles for 16 of its 18 years in existence, wasn't going to have its 2013 location announced by the ESA until the trade group received assurances from the city that the show would run efficiently during construction of the Farmers Field stadium.

"The City of Los Angeles is thrilled to welcome E3 back for another three years," Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said in a statement. "My office was committed to doing whatever it took to keep the largest annual conference that the City hosts here for another three years. I personally joined in the negotiations, and we worked with all parties to ensure the needs of E3 would be met."

E3 2012 had 45,700 attendees, with the ESA estimating the show generated 30,000 hotel room bookings and nearly $40 million in revenue for Los Angeles.

Update: There seems to be some debate about wording in the ESA's press release regarding the show taking place "throughout downtown Los Angeles and the City." E3 is the same as it ever was. Show organizers tell us: "While the show floor itself [at the Los Angeles Convention Center] is often the most visible aspect of E3, there are a number of elements, including press conferences, networking events, meetings, receptions, and parties that occur in and around the LA area."

Continue reading E3 2013 confirmed for Los Angeles, taking place June 11-13

E3 2013 confirmed for Los Angeles, taking place June 11-13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Obama administration teams up with the ESA on fitness promotion

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:15:00 EST

For 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.

Obama 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

California out nearly $2 million on failed video game legislation

Jordan Mallory — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:15:00 EST

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?

California 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

ESA spent over $1m last quarter, partially for SOPA/PIPA lobbying

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST

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.

ESA 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

California to pay ESA $950,000 over failed game bill

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST

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.

California 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

ESA withdraws support for SOPA

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:20:00 EST

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.

ESA 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

ESA members asked individually about SOPA, some respond

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST

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

ESA 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

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

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:35:00 EST

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]

ESA 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

ESA wants $1.1 million reimbursement from California for SCOTUS battle

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 10:30:00 EST

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

ESA 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

Victory lap: ESA responds to Supreme Court decision

Christopher Grant — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 22:30:00 EST

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

Victory 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

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

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 08:40:00 EST

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

ESA 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

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

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 01:00:00 EST

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

Child'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

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

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 20:08:00 EST

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

ESA 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

ESA prez addresses upcoming Supreme Court case in Baltimore Sun op-ed

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

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.

ESA 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

ESA: Games industry responsible for $5 billion of US economy

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

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.

ESA: 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

E3 2011 scheduled June 7-9; 2010 welcomed 45,600 attendees

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

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.

E3 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

ESA 'humble' about chances against California in Supreme Court case

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 04:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

[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.

ESA '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

PSA: E3 2010 online registration closes this Wednesday

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 14:40:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

If you're a member of the video game industry who has been lollygagging when it comes to your E3 2010 registration, this should be a wake-up call: Online registration will end this Wednesday, June 9, at 11PM Pacific (a.k.a. June 10 at 2AM ET).

This is the first time E3 online registration has ever been shut down prior to the start of the event. The ESA, which runs E3, explained that the measure is being taken this year because registered attendance is close to hitting the limit. The organization expects between 41,000 and 45,000 industry professionals, analysts, journalists and retailers (and probably a few impostors) to attend.

Qualified industry professionals can still purchase badges on site, but that involves things like ... lines, ewwww.

PSA: E3 2010 online registration closes this Wednesday originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chicago Transit Authority prevented from banning mature video game ads

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:25:00 EST

The preliminary injunction preventing the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) from banning M- and AO-rated video game ads is now here to stay. GamePolitics has the PDF of US District Court Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer's May 17 ruling that places a "permanent injunction" on CTA ordinance No. 008-147, which banned the mature rated ads.

The CTA has agreed not to appeal the decision -- probably because it's already getting stuck with paying the Entertainment Software Association's lawyers' fees on this matter. According to the court document, if the CTA violates the permanent injunction, the ESA has the right to send the CTA a bill for any future attorneys' fees. ESA President Mike Gallagher said in a statement, "We are pleased that the CTA chose not to pursue this further and waste valuable resources on this matter."

Meanwhile, California is taking its game bill all the way to the US Supreme Court.

Chicago Transit Authority prevented from banning mature video game ads originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chicago Transit Authority can't ban game ads, judge rules

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:07:00 EST

The Entertainment Software Association today announced an early victory in its ongoing lawsuit with the Chicago Transit Authority over the banning of game-related ads in April 2008. The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois has sided with the ESA, granting a preliminary injunction, in turn, allowing video game advertisements to once again be displayed in Chicago's transit system.

A "preliminary injunction" in this case means that, for the time being, the CTA can't ban gaming ads. Pending further litigation, the injunction could still be repealed or further solidified. ESA head Michael Gallagher said in the release that he still hopes the CTA wil "see the futility in pursuing this case further," adding that to continue further will only "waste taxpayer money and government resources."

Chicago Transit Authority can't ban game ads, judge rules originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

ESA partners with Microsoft & Sony for STEM initiative, launches game creation competitions

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:40:00 EST

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the game industry lobby group, today announced two new game creation contests meant to support President Obama's STEM initiative (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math studies). A partnership between the ESA, Microsoft, Sony, the Information Technology Industry Council (ITIC), and the MacArthur Foundation will help to fund and run a series of STEM-related game design competitions.

Details of the first two competitions - "Game Changers" and the less creatively titled "STEM National Video Game Competition" - are scant at the moment, though the former will involve Sony donating 1,000 PS3s and copies of LittleBigPlanet to libraries and community-based organizations in low-income districts, with plans to share the winning levels free to the gaming public. When asked, an ESA representative told Joystiq that more information would be revealed in "the coming weeks."

ESA partners with Microsoft & Sony for STEM initiative, launches game creation competitions originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

ESA survey says video games still topping holiday wishlists

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST

Despite outrageous day one sales projections for Modern Warfare 2 and the impending release of New Super Mario Bros. Wii, The ESA was still left wondering whether or not folks are still interested in giving and receiving video games over this holiday season. So the game industry's lobbying group conducted a survey, which found that "42 percent of American adults plan to give or hope to receive a computer or video game this holiday season." Furthermore, another 52 percent think of games as a cost-effective form of entertainment for the whole family.

Perhaps the most notable result of the survey was a 31 percent increase from 2007 (to 47 percent) for respondents intending on gifting a woman with a game. We're betting that at least 50 percent of the women receiving a game as a gift would prefer either a different gift or a more thoughtful partner.

ESA survey says video games still topping holiday wishlists originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Annual ESA report boasts perfect 43-0 record against gaming regulation

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST

Here's a lesson that governmental bodies across the nation just can't seem to learn -- if you try to regulate the sale of video games for any reason, you're stepping to the ESA. When you step to the ESA, you're gonna get burned. We've seen examples of the ESA's domination over would-be gaming regulators in the past -- but the organization's latest annual report put a number to their success: 43 legal victories, zero losses.

That's 43 bills over the past year that hoped to restrict the sale of video games in some manner that didn't become laws due to the ESA's legal intervention. In addtion, the group has also promoted tax incentives for game developers which were approved in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Michigan and Texas (and are being considered in 17 other states). In short, if you see an ESA member today, you should probably give them a high-five.

Annual ESA report boasts perfect 43-0 record against gaming regulation originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

ESA starts ESA TV video blog series

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:30:00 EST

So, how do you turn boring old statistics and charts into kickass promotional material? If you're the Entertainment Software Association, you put those same statistics and charts on video and set them to thumping music. The ESA has just unveiled its ESA TV series, a video blog designed to inform the world about the video game industry. The first video brings together some of the industry's key stats.

You know the ones: The average gamer is 35, the industry brought in $11.7 billion last year -- the kind of stuff your mother laughs off when you try to explain that you're not a kid anymore. Well, now you can show her the same facts on video, so they have to be true. Check out the video after the break.

Continue reading ESA starts ESA TV video blog series

ESA starts ESA TV video blog series originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Wear some comfy shoes: 90% of E3 space booked up

David Hinkle — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 19:20:00 EST

With E3 trying to reclaim its former glory by once again taking over the entirety of the LA Convention center, there's going to be a lot to see and do this year. There's also going to be a lot of walking to do, because 90% of the space for June's show has already been claimed, so says the ESA. The organization's goal of 40,000 qualified attendees is also on track and it has confirmed that over 100 exhibitors are already on board, besting the 86 we knew about back in February.

E3 2009 will take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center June 2 though June 4.

[Via Gamespot]

Wear some comfy shoes: 90% of E3 space booked up originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Piracy report highlights European countries

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:49:00 EST

A report filed by the International Intellectual Property Alliance, of which the ESA is a member, discusses the economic scourge of online piracy. ESA CEO Michael Gallagher calls online piracy the "greatest threat to the innovation, artistic commitment and technological advancements enjoyed by millions of consumers worldwide." It calls out BitTorrent and eDonkey as the two leading P2P networks for illegal downloads.

The ESA highlighted one part of the report, which involved tracking the illegal downloads of 13 titles during December 2008. Users downloaded 6.4 million copies of these games, the two most popular titles being downloaded 4.7 million times. The "heaviest illegal downloading" occurred in Italy (17%), Spain (15.1%), France (7.9%), Germany (6.9%), and Poland (6.1%). The heaviest per capita of illegal downloads occurred in Israel, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Poland.

The full report, which covers piracy beyond games, can be viewed on the IIPA site. Don't be surprised if piracy gets a little more attention now. With industry layoffs not going out of fashion anytime soon, somebody has to take the blame.

Piracy report highlights European countries originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

ESA spent $4.2 million lobbying in 2008

Jason Dobson — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Business

What bad economy? Gamasutra reports that the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) spent a whopping $4.2 million dollars on lobbying the federal government over the course of 2008. The organization split its time lobbying on multiple issues last year, including those surrounding patents, governing online gaming and dealing with pesky pirates, as well as fighting bills aimed at keeping M-rated games out of the hands of kids.

Overall, the ESA's spending grew more than 25% from the previous year. In fact, in the fourth quarter alone, the group reportedly spent more than $1.1 million on these efforts, a $10,000 increase over the previous quarter. Good to know at least someone in the game industry still has money to throw around.

ESA spent $4.2 million lobbying in 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

ESA Foundation splits $1 million among 9 charities

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Business

The ESA Foundation, the charitable division of the Entertainment Software Association, will be dividing $1 million in grants to nine organizations. The money will be used to "develop unique and innovative programs that will improve the health, education, and safety of America's youth."

The organizations getting a check are quite diverse (details listed after the break), dealing with varied topics such as the environment, gun violence, cancer and economics. The ESA Foundation recently popped up on our radar for its "Nite to Unite for Kids" event, occurring next month, and the $2.6 million it raised for charity with the sale of a game bundle.

Continue reading ESA Foundation splits $1 million among 9 charities

ESA Foundation splits $1 million among 9 charities originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

ESA happy about prison sentences for game pirates

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Business

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the industry's lobbying group, sent out a press release a little while ago applauding the prison sentences given to two convicted game pirates. Kevin Fuchs of New York and Kifah Maswadi of Florida were sentenced to eight months and fifteen months in prison, respectively. The men also face multiple years of supervised release after that, with Maswadi having been ordered to pay $415,900.

Before freaking out and thinking the FBI and Justice Department are "in your internetz, ready to send you to prisons," it's worth noting the two men sentenced were pretty hardcore software pirates. Maswadi sold consoles with illegal copies of titles on the internet and made $390,000 on his business. So, if you made hundreds of thousands of dollars last year off illegal game sales ... might we suggest a new vocation?

ESA happy about prison sentences for game pirates originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

ESA releases annual report publicly for first time

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:45:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Business

Some people have been wondering what the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) actually does. Well, for the first time ever, the ESA has released an annual report to the public showing off where all that publisher money goes.

The report covers federal work, a state-by-state breakdown and goes into other initiatives, like anti-piracy and general research endeavors. There are no answers to why organizations like Activizzard and LucasArts left, but it does give a fairly comprehensive understanding of what the lobby group does to protect its clients.

ESA releases annual report publicly for first time originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

ESA's mediocre game pack raises $2.6 million for charity

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360, Business

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) announced today its pack of odious unremarkable games sold to sponsor children's charities has raked in an astounding $2.6 million. The ESA Foundation, the philanthropic branch of the industry's lobbing group, will divide the cash among five charities (which we've listed after the break).

The charity pack included software donated by Disney, THQ, Ubisoft, Sony Pictures, Microsoft and Pixar. It was sold by 17 retailers and organizations agreed to waive associated fees and royalties, meaning as much cash as possible went to the children. No word yet if something similar will be done this year, but imagine the cash the charities could get if the games were actually good?!

Continue reading ESA's mediocre game pack raises $2.6 million for charity

ESA's mediocre game pack raises $2.6 million for charity originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

ESA spends $714k in Q1 on lobbying

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:25:00 EST

Filed under: Business

The AP reports that the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) spent $714,000 lobbying the federal government in the first quarter of this year. The ESA reportedly lobbied on issues of free speech, parental control technology and proposals to keep kids away from those big bad M-rated games.

The ESA's disclosure report, filed with the House clerk's office on April 21, also shows the group did work on IP protection, along with piracy, patent and trade issues. To consumers this information may not mean much, but it does show publishers, thinking of leaving the organization, that the group is doing something.

[Via Gi.biz]

ESA spends $714k in Q1 on lobbying originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

id leaves the ESA

Xav de Matos — Fri, 23 May 2008 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: News

At this point the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) must be thinking, "another one bites the dust."

Today developer id Software revealed to GamePolitics its intention of leaving the ESA group of members. Following suit with their publisher Activision, who recently left the organization with Vivendi, and Lucasarts, id has yet to release a statement explaining the decision.

The ESA has yet to comment on the decision that we're sure the organization hopes will not become an industry-wide trend.

[via Joystiq]

id leaves the ESA originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 May 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments