ECA Action Alert: How EULAs Affect You Under State Law

February 6, 2012

The Entertainment Consumers Association (ECA) has issued an action alert asking ECA members and the general gaming public to contact their local representatives to find out if the terms of many End User License Agreements (EULA) are actually legal in their respective states. Find the Action Alert below:

Posted in
5 comments | Read more
Buzz It

ECA Action Alert: Canada's C-11 Amendment to the Copyright Act

February 1, 2012

The Entertainment Consumer Association has issued an action alert, a call to arms to let lawmakers in Canada know that C-11, an act to amend the Copyright Act, must remove a provision that makes "jailbreaking" illegal. While the amendment to existing copyright law in Canada isn't as strict or over reaching as SOPA and PIPA, it does contain some questionable provisions that could hurt consumers.

2 comments | Read more
Buzz It

Hal Halpin Talks SOPA with Electric Playground

January 26, 2012

Electric Playground recently caught up with Hal Halpin, President and founder of the Entertainment Consumers Association (ECA), to talk about the online battle to stop the passage of the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA). Halpin talks about how the online protest last week slowed down the momentum of both SOPA and PIPA, and why these bills aren't quite dead yet.

Check out the video to your left.

[Full Disclosure: GamePolitics is an ECA publication.]

2 comments
Buzz It

Andrew Eisen Video: ESA Supports SOPA

January 19, 2012

Andrew Eisen gives us a visual representation of how gamers felt when they heard the news that the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) was supporting the Stop Online Piracy Act. Is this the thanks gamers get from the trade group representing the video game industry after all of their hard work in Brown v. EMA?

We'll let you judge for yourselves. This is probably the best video Andrew has ever made, in my humble opinion. Watch it to you left and be sure to stop by Andrew's YouTube Channel to subscribe.

3 comments
Buzz It

Guest Editorial: Dave ‘Walshy’ Walsh on SOPA-PIPA

January 19, 2012

Walshy Addresses SOPA/PIPA

By Dave Walsh, ECA Pro Gaming Chapter Pres.

There are still many people out there that don’t know about, or are misinformed regarding two very concerning pieces of legislation, the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), and Protect IP Act (PIPA). The names of these bills sound noble enough, but the effects that they will have if passed will be devastating.

| Read more
Buzz It

ECA, GamePolitics Goes Dark to Protest SOPA/PIPA

January 17, 2012

On January 18 at 8:00 am ET GamePolitics and other ECA-owned websites will go dark in protest of the Stop Online Piracy Act and the Protect IP Acts. We are proud to stand with an estimated 7,000 web sites and organizations to show our opposition to the government’s efforts to curtail free speech and innovation in the name of protecting the interests of corporations and lobbyists. We feel that there are better ways to fight online piracy and the sale of counterfeit goods without comprising innovation, free speech, and the integrity of the Internet.

5 comments | Read more
Buzz It

Join the ECA in the Fight against SOPA and PIPA

January 7, 2012

On Friday the Entertainment Consumer Association (ECA) sent out a PSA to its partners and friends asking them to join them in the fight against the Stop Online Piracy Act and the Protect IP Act - two anti-piracy and rogue web site laws that fight illicit copyrights infringement and counterfeit goods at the cost of free speech, fair use and the integrity of the Internet. We posit that free speech will always be a more valuable commodity than the profits of corporations and special interests and should always be protected.

6 comments | Read more
Buzz It

Happy Holidays from GamePolitics

December 23, 2011

On behalf of GamePolitics and the ECA, I wish all of our readers a safe and happy holiday - whether you celebrate Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, some other holiday, no holiday at all, etc.. We will be back on Monday with bells on!

On behalf of Hal, Heather, Jennifer, Michael, Andrew, Brett, and the rest - Happy Holidays!

- James Fudge, Managing Editor, GamePolitics.com

 

Posted in
Buzz It

DailyKOS Takes on SOPA, PROTECT IP

November 29, 2011

Left-leaning political blog DailyKOS joins the editorial pages of the New York Times and Los Angeles Times in opposition of the House's Stop Online Piracy Act and the Senate's Protect IP Act. In a post titled "Congress is close to destroying the internet (no hyperbole)," DailyKOS says that it is not hyperbole when they say that lawmakers, big Pharmaceutical companies, and the recording, and movie industries are out to destroy the internet.

4 comments | Read more
Buzz It

Happy Thanksgiving!

November 24, 2011

GamePolitics is going dark today in observance of Thanksgiving and boy howdy do gamers like us have oodles to be thankful for this year.  Fall 2011 is jam-packed with more awesome video games than most will ever have the time (or money) to play.  See the bottom of Leland Yee’s recent “Don’t buy these video games” press release to parents for a few good suggestions.

1 comment | Read more
Buzz It

ECA: 'SOPA/PROTECT IP Would Be Hideously Bad For Video Gamers'

November 16, 2011

A new article over at TechDirt penned by the Entertainment Consumer Association's Vice President and General Counsel, Jennifer Mercurio, explains why the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and PROTECT IP are bad for everyone - especially gamers. Mercurio lays out what this means to everyday internet users when it comes to video performance and fair use in the first paragraph:

7 comments | Read more
Buzz It

ECA Introduces New Pro-Gaming Chapter with Dave 'Walshy' Walsh

October 10, 2011

If you read our ECA Today newsletter then you probably heard on Friday that the Entertainment Consumer Association (ECA)  has backed pro-gamer Dave "Walshy" Walsh's special ECA Chapter dedicated to pro gamers and advocacy. Today the ECA made the official announcement, which you can read below in its entirety. We offer it to you without commentary because GamePolitics is an ECA publication.

Posted in
| Read more
Buzz It

ECA Call to Action: Madison's Used-Item Seller Database

September 22, 2011

The Entertainment Consumer Association (ECA) has issued an alert concerning a proposal before the Madison (Wisconsin) City Council that would force second-hand resellers to out sellers personal information in a database that local police would have access to. Obviously this is not a good idea - even in the name of tracking down criminals who steal and receive various goods - usually to fuel some type of addiction. The ECA's letter to members follows:

Posted in
7 comments | Read more
Buzz It

ECA Announces Partnerships, New Member Benefits

September 14, 2011

The Entertainment Consumer Association issued a press release today detailing new discounts it is offering membership holders. The press release is provided below, without comment from us for obvious reasons (GamePolitics is an ECA publication.):

THE ECA HELPS GAMERS ‘PRESS START’ ON A NEW SEASON WITH AN ARRAY OF NEW MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNTS

Posted in
2 comments | Read more
Buzz It

Going Over Santa's Head.. to Blizzard

August 8, 2011

While everyone else is ranting and raving about Diablo III and having to be "always connected" to Battle.net to play it - even in single player - our very own Andrew Eisen takes a different approach with the following heartfelt letter.

If Blizzard listens, this could be the best Christmas ever! Check out his heartwarming plea to Blizzard to your left or visit YouTube.

10 comments
Buzz It

Fight the Power: ECA Launches Campaign Against Bill S. 978

July 11, 2011

If you missed our mention of it on Friday, the Entertainment Consumer Association (ECA) has begun a letter writing campaign to challenge Bill S. 978, better known as the "anti-streaming bill" that is being pushed in the U.S. Senate. The new message from the ECA can be found below in its entirety, but I urge you to visit action.theeca.com or the ECA's Facebook group to get involved, because if you don't you may find yourself impacted by it after posting a YouTube video or while engaging in some other seemingly innocuous activity:

| Read more
Buzz It

ECA Action Alert: Bill S. 978

July 8, 2011

The Entertainment Consumer Association (ECA) has issued a call to arms to its members and the gaming community at large, urging everyone that will listen that Bill S. 978 (the anti-streaming law) is bad for everyone. The law has the potential to affect everyone - from YouTube video posters that make gameplay videos to Netflix users that share their account information. You can check out the alert here and send a letter to your Senators voicing your strong objection to this bill.

The alert can also be found below:

5 comments | Read more
Buzz It

ECA’s Hal Halpin Dishes on Anti-Streaming Bill

July 7, 2011

In an interview with Destructoid, ECA big cheese Hal Halpin discusses why gamers should worry about S.978, a bill that would make streaming copyrighted material a felony.

“I understand the intent that the legislators and trade associations have with the bill,” said Halpin, “but it’s so broad that it casts a very wide net, including people who innocently post video captures of their gameplay! Alone, that represents a huge community of people.”

“This bill, as written, will apply to anyone who plays and posts their gameplay online, which is a huge percentage of gamers. It could also apply to pro gamers who stream their gameplay for fans as easily as it applies to companies whose entire existence relies on streaming technology (i.e. Steam, Netflix, Gamefly/D2D, Major League Gaming, EA/Origin, OnLive and Gaikai, etc.).”

12 comments | Read more
Buzz It

ECA Thanks Legal Team for Brown v. EMA 'Team Effort'

July 1, 2011

The Entertainment Consumer Association issued a statement this week thanking its legal team and other individuals that helped prepare the amicus brief and the consumer petition that was submitted to the Supreme Court in November in support of the EMA's side of Brown v. EMA. The group thanked gamers and ECA members that took the time to sign the petition, legal teams that wrote the amicus brief and its various legal advisors that put everything together. Full statement below:

"As many of you know, earlier this week, the United States Supreme Court held in favor of the Entertainment Merchants Association in Brown v EMA, the so-called “violent video games” case. This is a huge achievement for all involved, especially Paul Smith of Jenner & Block.

ECA would again like to thank all of its members and the general public who signed the Consumer Petition. We would also like to thank and congratulate our partners in the Consumers Amicus Brief:

| Read more
Buzz It

EA CEO on SCOTUS Decision: 'Everybody Wins'

June 27, 2011

Electronic Arts CEO John Riccitiello tells IndustryGamers that today's decision from the Supreme Court on California's violent videogame law is a win for everyone. Last year Riccitiello expressed concern that publishers would be forced to ship different versions of the same title if new rules were implemented in California and other states. He feared state level bureaucracies that define what’s marketable in each state. Today's ruling makes that less likely to happen.

"Everybody wins on this decision – the Court has affirmed the Constitutional rights of game developers; adults keep the right to decide what’s appropriate in their houses; and store owners can sell games without fear of criminal prosecution," Riccitiello told IndustryGamers in a statement today.

2 comments | Read more
Buzz It

ECA Issues Reaction Statement to Brown v. EMA Decision

June 27, 2011

The Entertainment Consumer Association (ECA) issued a short statement this morning expressing its strong approval of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown v. EMA.

"We are thrilled by today's news," said Jennifer Mercurio, VP & General Counsel of the Entertainment Consumers Association. "We had hoped that we would see this decision, and it's been a long time coming. That being said, there will probably be one or two legislators who attempt to test these new parameters, and the ECA will continue to fight for the rights of entertainment consumers."

The Entertainment Consumers Association plans to issue a longer statement after reviewing the decision more thoroughly.

[GamePolitics is an ECA publication.]

Posted in
4 comments
Buzz It

Supreme Court Predictions

June 6, 2011

Entertainment Consumer Association president Hal Halpin offers his personal (note: not ours) opinion on the timing of the Brown v EMA (formerly Schwarzenegger v EMA) Supreme Court decision over at IGN. There has been much speculation that a decision will be released this week, and Halpin has his own predictions about it:

"Despite law maker Leland Yee’s prognostications, no one really knows when we’ll get the answer, but my money is on this Thursday.

22 comments | Read more
Buzz It

ECA and Red Bull Launch Exclusive Membership Program

May 24, 2011

The Entertainment Consumers Association (ECA) and Red Bull have teamed up to give anyone who signs up for a membership via the RedBull Site a one-year membership with the ECA, free of charge. Membership is normally $19.99 annually. The offer is open to gamers of all ages who are residents of the U.S. or Canada. Full press release below:

 

| Read more
Buzz It

PSA: ECA Video Contest

May 10, 2011

It's time for a public service announcements from the Entertainment Consumer Association. This week they kicked off a program to give ECA members the opportunity to tell the world why the ECA is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Participants are charged with creating a 30 second video describing the organization, benefits of membership and why gamers should join.

The best videos will be promoted across the ECA network and the winning video will receive $1,000 in AMEX gift cards. Additionally, the ECA will support all current and prospective film school students that participate in the program and will write endorsement letters for all appropriate video submissions.

For some examples, check out theeca.com/videos. For rules, check out www.theeca.com/video_contest_rules_and_regulations.

[Full Disclosure: GamePolitics is an ECA publication.]

Posted in
Buzz It

ECA Action Alert: Massachusetts Net Neutrality Law

March 15, 2011

The ECA has issued an "Action Alert" asking its members to help influence a Massachusetts net neutrality law sponsored by Massachusetts Representative Tom Sannicandro. The full alert from the ECA is below:

"The internet has allowed mass communication and collaboration on a scale never before seen in human history. People from vast distances are able to work together on projects and weigh in with thoughts concerning issues that matter to them. We ask you to add your thoughts regarding an issue that should matter to you – net neutrality.

Massachusetts Representative Tom Sannicandro has recognized this tool for what it is and will introduce a bill concerning Net Neutrality that involves people’s input using LexPop. You can get started and add your thoughts about Net Neutrality here.

| Read more
Buzz It

Students, U.S. Soldiers Get $1 ECA Membership

February 16, 2011

The Entertainment Consumer Association announced today that students and U.S. military personnel may sign up to be a member of the consumer advocacy group for $1. To qualify, all you need is a valid .edu or .mil email address. With that $1 fee these members will receive affinity benefits, educational resources, and advocacy efforts that are provided to all ECA members.

 

You can sign up for the ECA here.

The full press release can be found below (disclaimer: GamePolitics is an ECA publication):

1 comment | Read more
Buzz It

Action Alert: Net Neutrality and Congress

February 15, 2011

The Entertainment Consumers Association has issued a call to action related to net neutrality. Tomorrow Congress will drag the entire upper echelon of the FCC in to grill them about the new net neutrality rules and about its power to regulate both broadband and wireless service providers. The alert follows:

| Read more
Buzz It

ECA 500,000 Members Strong

February 8, 2011

The Entertainment Consumer Association announced a major milestone today: it hit the 500,000 member mark.

I'd like to congratulate the ECA for hitting this important milestone and thank them for creating a group that supports the interest of gamers.

The full release can be found below.

Posted in
| Read more
Buzz It

Sex in Games Leads to Real-World Rape and Other Ridiculousness

February 8, 2011

Boy oh boy, do I have a treat for you today.

FoxNews has posted an article examining the violent and sexual content of the upcoming Bulletstorm and I’m happy to report that it’s the most entertainingly sensationalistic tripe I’ve read in quite a while.

Bulletstorm is an M-rated shooter due out later this month from Epic Games.  Aside from copious profanity and over-the-top violence, one of its notable features is its in-game awards system, Skill Shots.  Basically, you get funny-titled awards for dispatching your enemies in unique and gruesome ways.  Here’s how the ESRB describes it:

25 comments | Read more
Buzz It

Editorial: Your Mom Hates Dead Space 2, But Who Cares?

February 3, 2011

In an editorial entitled "Your mom will hate 'Dead Space 2,' but does anyone care?," writer Tim Dunn ponders why EA's marketing department has used a technique usually used for teens and children for a mature rated game. Further, he wonders why EA would even think about using such a campaign when the Supreme Court is hearing a case about keeping ultra violent video games out of the hands of you children.

While his comments might seems a little overblown, he points out some valid concerns as well. He mentions mature games such as Heavy Rain and Red Dead Redemption, which carry a mature rating because they are telling stories and tackling topics that are geared towards adults. The Dead Space 2 campaign plays on "juvenile notions of maturity gamers have worked hard to change." In other words, the marketing for the game takes that fight a step back.

Here is more from Dunn:

12 comments | Read more
Buzz It

Forgot your password?
Username :
Password :

Shout box

You're not permitted to post shouts.
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
Uncharted NESIf they actually release Final Fantasy XI for PlayStation Vita, then I will consider buying one.02/09/2012 - 12:13pm
Uncharted NESCustomers Petition Apple to End Worker Abuse with 250,000 signatures- http://tinyurl.com/6vpuom202/09/2012 - 11:28am

Be Heard - Contact Your Politician