“Play For Real: Gamer Voter Drive” Launched

First Ever Video Gamer Voter Registration Drive Kicks Off Today

Washington, D.C. (September 12, 2006) – The first ever voter registration drive targeted specifically toward American adults who play computer and video games was launched today by the Video Game Voters Network (VGVN), the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) announced.

The “Play for Real: Gamer Voter Drive” is a project of the Video Game Voters Network, the grassroots political network for gamers. “Play for Real” uses a new voter registration tool found on VGVN’s Web site, and will “offer the adults who have grown up with our computer and video games a unique way to involve themselves in the political process on all issues, including the ones that matter most to gamers,” said Douglas Lowenstein, president of the ESA, the trade group representing U.S. computer and video game publishers.

“Tens of thousands of voting-aged gamers have joined the Video Game Voters grassroots political network since it was created last March. Unfortunately, when it comes to voting, polls show that less than half of 18 to 29 year olds turned out at the polls in the 2004 election, compared to 68% of those over 35 years old who cast their ballot" said Lowenstein. “We want to help engage gamers by offering this new registration tool, and by spreading the word that it’s time for gamers to put down their controllers and play for real by voting in the upcoming elections.”

To register to vote via VGVN’s Web site, go to www.videogamevoters.org, and click on “Register to Vote”.

The "Video Game Voters Network,” (www.videogamevoters.org) a grassroots political network for gamers and a project of the ESA, is a means for American adults who play computer and video games to organize and take action on important policy issues affecting the computer and video game industry. VGVN opposes efforts to regulate the content of entertainment media, including proposals to criminalize the sale of certain games to minors, or regulate video games differently than movies, music, books, and other media. The site enables gamers to stay updated about game industry related issues, and allows them to take action by contacting federal, state, and local officials to express their views.

The ESA is the U.S. association dedicated to serving the business and public affairs needs of the companies publishing interactive games for video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers, and the Internet. ESA members collectively account for more than 90 percent of the $7 billion in entertainment software sales in the U.S. in 2005, and billions more in export sales of entertainment software. For more information about the ESA, please visit www.theesa.com.

Contact Information

Stacey Wade

Entertainment Software Association (ESA)

Contact via E-mail