The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has announced that it is taking steps to boost awareness and "increase the recruitment, education, and mobilization of video game players across the country." The organization has launched an updated website for the initiative to aid in achieving these goals.
ESA President Mike Gallagher had this to say:
"The response to the VGVN is overwhelming and dramatic-over 100,000 members, generating thousands upon thousands of letters defending video games. It’s impressive. Ordinary Americans’ passion for computer and video games is driving a desire to be counted and speak out. They are a political force that not only votes, but actively makes their voices heard in Washington, DC and in state legislatures across the country.
Politicians who think easy political points can be scored at the First Amendment’s expense have to know that such efforts will be aggressively opposed. VGVN and the ESA would rather work in a collaborative and productive partnership to educate caregivers about how to ensure the games their children enjoy are parent-approved."
Organizations such as this and the Entertainment Consumers Association could be instrumental in stimulating widespread acceptance of videogames as a part of popular culture, rather than subculture. I encourage all gamers to check out www.videogamevoters.org and www.theeca.com to see what you can do to help, too.
