Gamers get political action group

[Slimy]

In response to news from the day before.

It is said that every human activity is in some way political, and gaming is apparently no exception. A new advocacy group, the Entertainment Consumer Association (ECA), has been formed to "give game consumers a voice and to ensure that elected officials hear their concerns and appreciate the growing influence of the gamer demographic." The ECA, a nonprofit organization based in Conneticut, has just launched their web site.

The ECA's mission is to give a political voice to a group that has not traditionally had much interest in politics. According to a spokesperson for the organization, "Gamers represent nearly fifty percent of the US population and spend $10 billion annually on gaming, yet as a group are continually overlooked by both politicians and the mainstream press."

In addition to political lobbying, the ECA intends to offer benefits for members, such as discounts on game subscriptions, rentals, and educational purchases. It will also provide "insider access to industry news and events."

Is a political action group for gamers necessary? In a system dominated by corporate lobbyists, it seems inevitable that the gaming industry would eventually seek political representation. The move seems even more understandable given the government's recent moves towards interfering in the industry's game rating process, as well as events like the recent ruling in Florida against Rockstar's Bully.

Membership in the ECA is open to anyone, and costs $20 per year.

Source

Edited October 12, 2006 by slimy