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The good news just keeps coming. Following ex-ELSPA boss Roger Bennett's outspoken comments against the recent treatment of videogaming by the powers that be, the new head of the Entertainment Software Association has unveiled plans to get our favorite medium the respect it deserves within the political arena. Speaking to The New York Times, Michael Gallagher sounded very passionate indeed about giving the games industry a voice equal to those of other entertainment industries, and about the political representation he'll be seeking to achieve that.
At this point I could again go over the reasons this is important in terms of the current state of industry growth but Mr. Gallagher does that more than adequately himself, so I'll simply refer you to his words, which you can find after the jump. Bear in mind this guy has previously set up LAN Doom matches in the offices of a congressman he used to work for, so I'd say he's a pretty good man to be backing.
The average video-game player is 33 years old and has been playing for an average of 12 years," he said. "It is not something you do as a phase in your childhood and leave it behind. Now it's a part of your entertainment culture.
Washington is very enamored with glitz and the appeal of stars. Whenever Bono shows up he creates this bow wave as he comes through, and it's true that stars do help drive messages. And it is true that Master Chief and Mario are not yet household words on the Hill, but wait for the years ahead.
I think there is a bit of a generation gap, federally, given that a number of the legislators — especially since Congress operates on the seniority system — are older. Video games came very late in their content-consuming careers, and so they're not as familiar with the intense innovation, competition and excitement that come from video games.
The main challenge is connecting with decision makers and creating champions for the video-game industry in the policy-making arena, so working to set up a way for the Entertainment Software Association to participate in the federal election process is one of my top priorities. Contributing on the federal level is a very important part of our success going forward.
Now if you'll excuse me, myself and Jim are firing up our pipes, adjusting our monocles, and heading out to the manor grounds for a celebratory deer shoot. This is very heartening news indeed.
Given time congress will eventually be filled with people who are gamers or at least grow up with games so its only a matter of time before the industry is backed more politely.
If absolutely nothing else, I suppose it's a good thing that if this guy gets his way (and I hope he does), then the video game industry will be in a better position to bribe^H^H^H^H^Hlobby politicians.
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21 comments + 95764 views
wootsawce
good news indeed
man, check that guy out!!
henshin!
it's good to hear things are going our way :D
Great stuff. I wonder if Barack Obama played video games while he was doing lines of coke at Harvard...?
That's badass. We need more guys like him to represent the gaming community.
Given time congress will eventually be filled with people who are gamers or at least grow up with games so its only a matter of time before the industry is backed more politely.
If absolutely nothing else, I suppose it's a good thing that if this guy gets his way (and I hope he does), then the video game industry will be in a better position to bribe^H^H^H^H^Hlobby politicians.
Can't wait to meet the new guy.
The tables have turned, Thompson.
Awesome.
What Jim said
Give this man a drink, tab on me
Heck yes!
Who's taking bets on how long it will be before Jack Thompson compares this guy to Hitler, like he did with Lowenstein?
Mmm, venison.
I met with one of those legislators tonight! =)
Oh, and when I asked the above mentioned legislator about Jack Thompson, he went "who? the old Cincinnati Bengals quarterback?"
Turns out, he's never even heard of him.
Destructoid: 1
Jack Thompson: 0
Is that guy shopped? he looks funnay! *giggle*
I can sum up what Mr. Gallagher said: Congress are a bunch of crusty old bitches.
Fianally someone who we can look for who isnt just neutral on gaming. do we know obama's stance yet?
with all bullshit wresting info put aside..
Dosen't he look like The Rock at age 50 or something??
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