The ESA, which represents North American video game publishers, has released its 2008 Annual Report.
Ben Kuchera of Ars Technica provides a nice summary of the business and legislative highlights.
In reading the ESA report, we were most struck by the sheer volume of legislative efforts directed at video games on both the state and federal level. Many of these we were aware of and reported on here at GamePolitics. A few others flew under the media radar. Here's the state list:
- Colorado: The ESA persuaded the Denver transit company not to ban M-rated game ads on buses
- Connecticut: tax incentives were approved for video game production
- Delaware: legislation directed at point-of-sale died in committee
- Florida: approved financial incentives for game development
- Indiana: game legislation died in committee
- Massachusetts: game legislation is stalled in committee
- Mississippi: game legislation died in committee
- Missouri: game legislation died in committee
- New Jersey: game legislation died in committee
- New York: 2007 bills passed Assembly & Senate, but a joint version was not finalized (in 2008, however, NY adopted a less restrictive video game law)
- New Mexico: "No Child Left Inside" act would have levied a 1% tax on games but failed to pass
- North Carolina: video game legislation carried over into 2008 session
- North Carolina: tax incentive bill introduced (but recently defeated)
- Oklahoma: bill requiring written notice to buyers that games contain violent content carried over to 2008 session
- Oregon: video game legislation stuck in committee
- Puerto Rico: video game legislation carried over into 2008 session
- Puerto Rico: tax on games to fund recreation programs stuck in committee
- Tennessee: legislation introduced to study effects of violent media
- Texas: tax incentives passed for game devs (although ESA report fails to mention content restrictions on such funding)
- Utah: video game legislation died in committee as did a resolution urging the state A.G. to file amicus briefs in other states where the game biz was challenging legislation
- Wisconsin: a 1% game tax is under consideration
On the federal level, the ESA cites four bills introduced in both the House and Senate. Also mentioned are the Annual Video Game Report Card issued in Washington, D.C. by the National Institute on Media and the Family as well as presidential candidate Mitt Romney's "ocean of filth" TV spot decrying mature content in games.
The ESA also recounts a number of parental awareness partnerships forged by the ESRB with state elected officials.
Comments
Is Puerto Rico a state?
Anyways, interesting list.
It's a US territory. Close enough for the purpose of this list.
-Gray17
Tax incentives for game production in my state? Guess I will be moving back when I'm finished with college after all :)
I wouldn't mind a small game tax to fund recreation programs actually.
Why just tax video games to fund outdoor recreation? Why not tax all the things that keep kids indoors. We could tax AC, Heating, TV, Movies, Board Games, radio, toys, books, comics, food, etc.
The problem with that kind of tax, is the assumption that video games are the primary reason why kids don't play outside.
E. Zachary Knight
http://www.editorialgames.com
Oklahoma City Chapter of the ECA
MySpace Page: http://www.myspace.com/okceca
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1325674091
The last thing I want to see is a "sin tax" applied to games (like those on alcohol/cigarettes). 1% doesn't sound like much but it's a foot in the door to higher taxes or other, more stringent legislation. It only reinforces the belief that games are detrimental, immoral, or otherwise harmful and in need of regulation.
That bill under Oklahoma may never see the light of day or the Governor's ink. It is so stupid and has very little support right now. After the last failed law regulating games, I don't think any smart politician wants to temp fate again.
E. Zachary Knight
http://www.editorialgames.com
Oklahoma City Chapter of the ECA
MySpace Page: http://www.myspace.com/okceca
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1325674091
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