Video Game Voters Network Breaks 200,000 Mark

Activists Nationwide Advocate for and Defend Computer and Video Games

Washington, DC – Over 200,000 grassroots activists joined the Video Game Voters Network (VGVN), a coalition of voting-aged gamers that educates and mobilizes the gamer community in political activities, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) announced today. VGVN members organize and take action on important policy issues affecting the computer and video game industry.

“VGVN members play a critical role in protecting free speech and defending this innovative and creative art form from intrusive and unnecessary government legislation and regulation,” said Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO of the ESA, which represents U.S. computer and video game publishers. “They support their choice of entertainment by contacting elected officials and making their voices heard. Our industry is fortunate to have these dedicated individuals helping to preserve the rights of computer and video game consumers and makers.”

The VGVN supports legislative efforts to improve the environment for the computer and video game artists and enthusiasts, as well as support legislators who ensure games receive the same First Amendment protections as movies, music, books and other art. VGVN enables gamers to stay updated on policy issues and take action by contacting federal, state and local officials to express their views.

Since its creation in 2006, VGVN members mobilized to send hundreds of thousands of communications to elected officials in support of equal protection under the First Amendment for the computer and video games they enjoy. In 2009 alone, the network activated 46 times and members sent thousands of letters to Capitol Hill and state legislative offices in 35 states in response to potential government regulation. VGVN members take action in all U.S. states and territories, including a recent win in Utah where thousands of letters were sent to Utah legislators, leading to an anti-video game bill being vetoed by then-Governor Huntsman. For more information on VGVN and its grassroots mobilization efforts, please visit www.VideoGameVoters.org.

The Entertainment Software Association is the U.S. association dedicated to serving the business and public affairs needs of companies publishing interactive games for video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers, and the Internet. The ESA offers services to interactive entertainment software publishers including a global anti-piracy program, owning the E3 Expo, business and consumer research, federal and state government relations and First Amendment and intellectual property protection efforts. For more information, please visit www.theESA.com.