ESA Revamps Video Game Voters Network; Nice, but...

July 26, 2007
The ESA, which represents the interests of U.S. video game publishers, has issued a press release touting renewed efforts by its Video Game Voters Network.

In addition to the new trailer which GamePolitics covered yesterday, the VGVN has launched an updated website in order to "increase the recruitment, education, and mobilization of video game players across the country." The ESA press release also quotes president Mike Gallagher:
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.

GP: So far, I'm impressed with Mike Gallagher (more about that in tomorrow's Joystiq column). But while I like the idea of the Video Game Voters Network, I have serious concerns about its overall impact. As I told Postal Nation recently:
The ESA made a nice try with the Video Game Voters Network, but let's take a reality check. As currently set up the VGVN is basically a platform for sending e-mail form letters to politicians. The whole thing seems automated. Who is the VGVN, anyway? Can the average gamer name a single person directly associated with it? A movement needs a leader, needs a rallying point.

I also believe there is a fundamental disconnect between the interests of game publishers and those of game consumers. Of course, working with the Entertainment Consumers Association and being a lifelong gamer, I'm certainly biased in that direction.
Buzz It

Comments

I like VGVN, but, I hae a problem that, as a member, I can't do much. Horay, i can reveal all my personal information to send an email...couldn't I just do that myself? how about having a current list of our congressmen and women, then I could WRITE a letter and send it myself. rather than an automated message or a little banner in my signature. They need to give us stuff to do! I know some will tell me to do it myself..but through them, a group that works together will be much more seen than a single person making a statement or writing letters.

[...] Social Media, Web 2.0: A blog analysis « CBS: Campaigning In The Internet Age ESA Gives Video Game Voters Network Website Overhaul, Could Use Some Humanizing August 1st, 2007 The Entertainment Software Association, representing the interests of of U.S.video game publishers, launched an updated website for its Video Games Voters Network in order to “increase the recruitment, education, and mobilization of video game players across the country.” The press release (via gamepolitics.com) explains: 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. [...]

@Jabrwock

True, but it must be admitted, the PTC does have an impact, regardless of our own opinions on that impact. Simply having the weight of several thousand names of voters to throw around is quite a hefty tool.

Thing is, I'd personally not be certain how else to run the VGVN, in a way it would be nice if it was more 'centralised', however, I wouldn't recommend Dennis to run it, and I mean that as no insult to Dennis. Gamepolitics has always tried to provide as even a view of the playing field as possible, there's always been a pro-game lean, but that's hardly surprising, however, Dennis has always been excellent at remaining impartial, even when being so has obviously required an effort of will. If Dennis were named as head of the VGVN, I'm sure that impartiality would remain, however, it would be a lot harder to defend that impartiality if Dennis were to take a more prominent role in defending games.

I understand that nothing would change, but outsiders wouldn't see it like that.

Anyway, just my 2 cents :)

On the interests of publishers vs interests of consumers, I agree whole-heartedly.

Today the VGVN is concerned primarily with the political discussions around free speech & restricting availability of M and AO content. In this area they are aligned - at least with the digitally-vocal hardcore consumer base. They may be out of sync with parents, but that's another issue.

If and when the discussion turns to copyright term extensions, digital rights management technologies, etc, the interests of the media companies/publishers may be diametrically opposed to the interests of consumers.

We see much of this going on right now with music & movie industries and their lobbying efforts, where the trade groups pretend to speak on behalf of the consumer and, other than the EFF occasionally calling them on it, no one knows the better.

So when and if the debate goes beyond the restriction of sales of M rated titles, it will be interesting to see whether the VGVN is EFF-like, or more MPAA-like.

ECA membership is presently around a thousand, but we expect that to ramp up. The ad campaign in the major gaming mags is just getting started.

Meantime, tell your gaming buds! Word of mouth is good...

OH, and I should have added the ECA as another example of the 'good guys' :-)

The idea of the VGVN is great, but better served if their was a face to it. Someone that can actually visit with politicians.

I agree that such an effort would be better served by a consumer group rather than an industry group. As it stands now, it is a mere farse to get greater consumer support for the ESA.

AS for the Dennis nominations, I don't think that is the best idea. I agree that Dennis would be a great choice, but as a reporter who is supposed to be a nonparticipant, it would never work out. Also as I satated, the VGVN is owned by the ESA and Dennis is already (although unfoundedly) being accused as being an industry "stooge".

We do need someone who is not a member of the ESA, but is familiar with the political process to run it properly.

I like the idea of the VGVN but it feels much more like astroturfing than a grassroots movement to change the political perception about video games.

The trailer was ridiculously terrible. I see now that they put it was intentionally over-the-top on their website but I definitely did not see that disclaimer the first day.

I guess if they helped get thousands of people to send prefabricated letters to their US Congresspeople that is a start, but I can just see the intern who opens the mail finding the VGVN website and showing the trailer for a good office laugh for the day.

I just cannot see this organization getting any traction when they put out propaganda just as bad, if not worse, than the other side.

It is interesting to note something the Brass points out though, were he to move to the mainstream of US Politics, he would be caught up in all the intrigues of government.

It's already blatantly obvious that the hystrionics generated about Games was more motivated by political manouvering than any genuine concern or belief, but I think it does a pretty good job of spelling it out.

Ok... that's odd... I posted this in the Senator thread.... O_o

A-wel, thanks for that, but that's not where I was heading with my remarks about the VGVN. The ESA could do it, but they need to put a face on it to stir the fire in gamers' bellies.

[...] The Entertainment Software Association issued a press release today about the Video Game Voters Network (hat tip to GamePolitics). Here’s a short excerpt: “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,” said Michael D. Gallagher, president of the ESA, which represents U.S. computer and video game publishers. “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.” [...]

The VGVN's video ( I loved it, cool music ) says it all...our rights are being attacked and Congress must be held responsible. There is the Nascar Nation, the NRA Voting Block and now 100,000 gamers who will not be attacked!!!

@ ZippyDSMlee

That is why-
A) Think Dennis would be great at that job, he knows what can be done and when to do it. He has been in the game for a long time now in as far as this current assault on video games are concirnced and...

B) That is why he would and should never take a position like that. He is not a part of the industry, as we are not a part of it in so much as being it's minions politicaly.

Also, I think that the VGVN should be transfered to the ECA, it is our side of the fight that the VGVN is on, so we are the ones that need it. It is technecally our responsibility to work on the politicians and the industry to work on the laws. I think that it would be best in our hands.

I am a member of the ECA :P


The VGVN is kinda a empty shell made from the Pub run ESA,the ESA is villainous but not evil,its just looking out for its members and consumers can not "join".

Perhaps with the correct leader it can join with the ECA and attack the political field together?

I think the ECA is more my thing, I'm going to leave the VGVN. I decided the ESA wasn't the best people to trust, since you all know my stance on the ESRB. I just don't think they are looking out for gamers as much. ECA seems much more genuine and worth the time.

Sorry I think the VGVN is ran by the wrong people. I pretty much gave up on them when I realized they weren't doing much and when the ECA formed. Also its ran by the ESA who is for the industry not the gamers. Granted they kinda have the same goals even if its for different reasons. Maybe I will check them out again and see if they really do care and will help us make a difference.

dennis how many members does eca have?

[...] YouTube Link to Article video games ESA Revamps Video Game Voters Network; Nice, but… » Posted at GamePolitics.com on Thursday, July 26, 2007 ESA Revamps Video Game Voters Network; Nice, but… July 26th, 2007 The ESA, which represents the interests of U.S ... 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 View Entire Article » [...]

Even with a leader though, it's still just a 100,000 strong form-letter bot-net. Look at the PTC. All it is, is an outlet to tell it's members when to be outraged and send in form letters.

So it'll be difficult to not fall into that trap of being just a large collection of form-letter senders. Politicians may pretend to notice, but it's also easy for staffers to notice when letters start getting repetitive, and clearly all just minimal-effort outrage...
-- If your wiimote goes snicker-snack, check your wrist-strap...

Publishers (for the most part) care only for money an they will attain it no matter what common sense they lose they only care for shallow rep to pad them selfs up till the next project is released.


GP is pretty busy as is plus its part of the "industry" and GP is tryign to separate himself from it to stay impartial and look the part as well.

The ESA is part of a publisher group the ECA is the consumer group,the VGVN needs a strong leader able to to annoy both politicizations and pubs and try and keep to a middle road so the people get the most benefit out of it.

@ A-wel

I second that. Dennis is the most apt choice for a position like that because he knows the climate and knows what to do. I doubt he would accept a position like that though.

I for one would nominate Dennis to be the head of the VGVN, if he'd accept it.

And no, I'm not just trying to kiss ass.
Forgot your password?
Username :
Password :

Shout box

You're not permitted to post shouts.
Uncharted NESCritics: 'Left Behind' game glorifies violence- http://tinyurl.com/wu64s02/12/2012 - 4:34pm
ZenI felt Brutal Legends was a funny & beautiful look at the world of rock from Double Fines point of view. The only parts I wasn't hot for were the RTS bits as it felt forced. Otherwise fantastic.02/12/2012 - 1:34pm
DorthLousPassed 1.5M$. And I'd also say that Brutal Legend is far from being a bad game. I just think it was a few levels under what people expected from the people working on the project.02/11/2012 - 8:25am
TechnogeekBrutal Legend wasn't bad so much as "marketing had no idea how the game actually played", causing it to suffer accordingly.02/10/2012 - 10:38pm
RedMageIt looks the CIA's website has been DDOS'ed. Anon?02/10/2012 - 7:52pm
RedMageBrutal Legend.02/10/2012 - 7:52pm
ddrfr33kHas anything Tim Schafer ever made been of crap caliber? I'm struggling to think of one...02/10/2012 - 7:37pm
GuamishI think it is in good hands. Tim did a game for the GDC award show and that was fun for how short it was.02/10/2012 - 12:22pm
Andrew EisenIt'll be tragic if the game ultimately sucks.02/10/2012 - 12:17pm
james_fudge$1.3 million02/10/2012 - 11:32am
Uncharted NESGermany Says It Won't Sign ACTA [Update: ... Yet]- http://tinyurl.com/7r2twrg02/10/2012 - 11:21am
Andrew EisenDamn. Double Fine's Kickstarter fund has already passed a million dollars.02/09/2012 - 8:16pm
Andrew EisenAudrey didn't quote the sassy parts. Here's IGN's article: http://wii.ign.com/articles/121/1218359p1.html And here's my original post: http://tinyurl.com/7y68a3902/09/2012 - 7:50pm
james_fudgeI hope you some said something sassy! Where's the link?02/09/2012 - 7:46pm
Andrew EisenHey, neat. IGN quoted a blog I had writen only two hours earlier. I certainly timed that one pretty well.02/09/2012 - 7:38pm
Andrew EisenToki Tori has been added to the Humble Bundle for Android.02/09/2012 - 5:11pm
james_fudgeThanks for the heads-up DorthLous02/09/2012 - 4:33pm
DorthLousWill do, my apologies.02/09/2012 - 4:14pm
Andrew EisenI appreciate the heads up but please keep typo alerts to the specific article's comments or PMs.02/09/2012 - 3:33pm
DorthLousThe title says 30, but in the article, the developer says it's like a 20% net tax http://www.gamepolitics.com/2012/02/09/developers-call-facebook-currency-transaction-fee-thirty-percent-tax02/09/2012 - 2:43pm

Be Heard - Contact Your Politician