ESA Drops Support For SOPA
In news which is sure to excite acronym fans, the ESA has dropped it’s support for SOPA and PIPA as the internet rejoices at the death of US bills. Kotaku is reporting the news as the ESA’s support of the controversial bill was beginning to cause a very large rift between the ESA and the gaming industry at large.
The ESA No Longer Supports SOPA
The Entertainment Software Association dropped their support for the Stop Online Piracy Act following a week of online blackouts and protests. The organization released a statement regarding their change in position.
“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. 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.”
A blog post about an E-mail I sent to the Entertainment Software Association regarding their support of #SOPA:
http://mattgfifteen.wordpress.com/2012/01/19/an-e-mail-i-sent-to-the-entertainment-software-association-regarding-their-support-of-the-stop-online-piracy-act/
ESA Reveal Gamer Demographics
The Entertainment Software Assocation has published an insightful report into the demographics of gamers. Some of the stats and facts may surprise you.
Los Angeles Will Host E3 Through 2015
turntherightcorner.com
This year was my first time ever attending such a coveted event like the Electronic Entertainment Expo – or E3 as some may call it. Having the chance to go was a life experience I will never forget, and I am forever thankful to those allowing me the opportunity to go. As the dust settled and the craziness died down, many questioned whether attendees would be heading back to the LA Convention Center for E3 in 2013. Continue reading → TTRC Blog
Interview: ESA Canada's Julien Lavoie
For some insight on recent Canadian gaming trends, we spoke with Julien Lavoie, the Entertainment Software Association of Canada’s director of public relations. We talked about Canadian gamers and video game developers, and also touched on what the recent closures of game studios in Vancouver – notably Radical Entertainment and Rockstar Vancouver – mean for growth of the industry in Canada overall. Continue reading →
Average Gamer Is 37 Years Old
A new study from the Entertainment Software Association suggests that the average age of today’s gamers is between the 37 and 41 years old.
72 percent of American households play video games and 82 percent of gamers are adults according to new research released today by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). In a report released at E3, the world’s leading video game event, the data presented a consumer base that is increasingly diverse and receiving interactive game content on myriad platforms.
The report, 2011 Essential Facts About the Computer and Video Game Industry, also found 42 percent of gamers are women and that women age 18 or older represent more than one third of the game-playing population. In addition, purchases of digital full games, digital add-on content, mobile apps, subscriptions and social network gaming accounted for 24 percent of game sales in 2010, generating $5.9 billion in revenue.
Full report: 2011 Essential Facts About the Computer and Video Game Industry
Would it be a mistake for E3 to move out of LA?
For years, the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) has been associated with the city of Los Angeles and its sprawling downtown convention center. But the game industry trade group is considering moving out because of construction issues. The city of Los Angeles is planning to tear down the West Hall of the LA convention center as […] http://goo.gl/MuJ0Z
Game industry will hide its pain, celebrate innovation at E3
An estimated 45,000 people are going to attend the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) this week at the Los Angeles Convention Center in downtown L.A. http://goo.gl/vDErN
ESA, E3, Extra Credits, and SOPA/PIPA
So amid all the protesting of SOPA and PIPA over the internet and the calls for US Citizens to talk to their lawmakers, a small group of people are trying a different tactic. Going after the pockets of the corporations that are pushing for such a huge change.
You might remember a TEDTalk I posted during the SOPA/PIPA blackout day that discussed the origins of SOPA and PIPA and how it was really an attempt by media companies to restrict technologies in such a way as to keep people consuming rather than sharing. Effectively to keep their revenue streams. So several people such as Red 5 Studios, Extra Credits, Loading Ready Run, and more have decided to target one of the major institution that support this bill: the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) which, among other things, puts on E3, a major video gaming convention and one of their primary revenue sources.
Let me share with you their video.
So yes. They want people to protest E3 until ESA pulls support from SOPA and PIPA.
This would be a really effective effort to help curb further attempts by media companies. You can find out more information about how to help with the following links:
Ars Technica: Why one game developer is skipping E3 to start an anti-SOPA crusade
The DeanBeat: Gaming’s biggest ‘suit’ gets ready for the craziness of the E3 trade show
E3 chief Mike Gallagher expects the event to draw 45,000 to 50,000 people to Los Angeles the week of June 9.
