http://www.videogamevoters.org en Copyright 2010 2010-02-23T14:42:25+00:00 http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/vgvn_featured_at_sxsws_screenburn_arcade/ http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/vgvn_featured_at_sxsws_screenburn_arcade/ VGVN will be at South by Southwest (SXSW) this year as part of ScreenBurn Arcade, the festival's interactive gaming arcade. In hosting ScreenBurn Arcade, SXSW — one of the nation's largest music, film, and interactive media festivals — is recognizing the growing influence of video games. Computer Games, Video Games 2010-02-23T13:42:25+00:00 http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/a_victory_for_video_games_cta_must_stop_enforcing_its_ban_on_computer_and_v/ http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/a_victory_for_video_games_cta_must_stop_enforcing_its_ban_on_computer_and_v/ Yesterday, the U.S. District Court issued an injunction against the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), which had banned advertisements for certain computer and video games on its trains, buses, and stations. Yesterday's ruling means the CTA must stop enforcing its ban until the case is finally resolved. Computer Games, Video Games 2010-01-11T18:15:45+00:00 http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/report_says_computer_and_video_game_industry_outpaces_rest_of_entertainment/ http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/report_says_computer_and_video_game_industry_outpaces_rest_of_entertainment/ A Federal Trade Commission (FTC) report released today found that the computer and video game industry is leading in in consumer disclosure, retail compliance and enforcement of responsible marketing practices. Computer Games, Parenting, Video Games 2009-12-03T19:54:00+00:00 http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/an_opportunity_to_lead_in_california/ http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/an_opportunity_to_lead_in_california/ California State Senator Leland Yee, one of the main architects of the unconstitutional attacks on computer and video games, is receiving the First Amendment Coalition's Beacon Award for legislation supporting government transparency and journalists' rights. Computer Games, Video Games 2009-10-29T20:01:32+00:00 http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/insomniac_games_ceo_defends_video_games/ http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/insomniac_games_ceo_defends_video_games/ Insomniac Games CEO, Ted Price, sent an email to the Video Game Voters Network with an impassioned defense of free speech and video games. Take a moment to read Price's email and then invite your friends to join VGVN: Video Games 2009-09-15T18:53:47+00:00 http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/follow_vgvn_on_twitter/ http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/follow_vgvn_on_twitter/ Do you want to know the latest news about threats to video games and your free speech? VGVN's Twitter feed is just that place. Video Games 2009-09-14T20:10:54+00:00 http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/video_essential_facts_about_computer_and_video_games/ http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/video_essential_facts_about_computer_and_video_games/ The Entertainment Software Association has launched ESA TV, an online video blog series that provides audiences with compelling, creative and informative content about the computer and video game industry. The first video of the series, below, brings to life ESA's 2009 Essential Facts. Computer Games, Facts, Parenting, Video, Video Games 2009-08-03T15:06:24+00:00 http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/chicago_transit_authority_banned_video_game_ads/ http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/chicago_transit_authority_banned_video_game_ads/ The Entertainment Software Association has filed suit against the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), challenging its decision to ban video game advertisements. 2009-07-22T16:54:31+00:00 http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/stop_your_representative_from_sponsoring_federal_bill_to_mislabel_video_gam/ http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/stop_your_representative_from_sponsoring_federal_bill_to_mislabel_video_gam/ Rep. Joe Baca's (D-CA) sponsored H.R. 231 "The Video Game Health Labeling Act" - a misguided, unnecessary, and simply unconstitutional bill. In a letter seeking co-sponsors of this bill, Rep. Baca points to research claiming a causal link between video games and aggressive behavior, even though this very same research was rejected as faulty by a majority of federal and state courts. Action, Legislative Threat, Take Action, VGVN, Legislation 2009-04-24T13:18:25+00:00 http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/utahs_vgvn_members_bring_about_a_veto/ http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/utahs_vgvn_members_bring_about_a_veto/ Over the past several weeks, VGVN's Utah members worked hard to prevent the passage of HB 353, the anti-video game bill which would have amended the state's Truth in Advertising law and inhibited the promotion of the ESRB rating system. Despite hundreds of letters sent, the bill passed both the State House and Senate. However, Governor Huntsman heard Utah's VGVN members and he vetoed HB 353 because of concerns about violating the Constitution and undermining the ESRB rating system. Action, Industry News, Take Action, Legislation 2009-03-27T01:38:54+00:00 http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/demand_a_veto_contact_utah_governor_jon_huntsman_today/ http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/demand_a_veto_contact_utah_governor_jon_huntsman_today/ Once again, Utah state legislators are unfairly targeting video games. The anti-video game bill (HB 353) would expose game retailers to frivolous lawsuits. Under this bill, if the store promotes enforcement of the ESRB rating system, and then a sales clerk accidentally sells a M-rated game to a minor twice, any person could then sue that store for damages, and it could be fined! Action, Legislative Threat, Take Action, VGVN, Legislation 2009-03-16T19:20:37+00:00 http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/a_landmark_court_ruling_for_video_games/ http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/a_landmark_court_ruling_for_video_games/ In the case of Video Software Dealers Association v. Schwarzenegger, the judges ruled that the state could not enforce a 2005 California law that would have regulated the sale or rental of computer and video games. This is the 13th court ruling that supports video games as a form of protected speech. Action, Industry News, VGVN 2009-02-20T19:18:56+00:00 http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/join_the_video_game_rally_on_facebook/ http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/join_the_video_game_rally_on_facebook/ The Video Game Voters Network (VGVN) invites you to join the Video Game Rally, a new Facebook application enabling Facebook members to express their support of video games, take action to defend games, spread the word about anti-video game threats and win prizes! VGVN, Social Networking, Take Action 2009-02-12T15:53:24+00:00 http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/write_the_new_congress/ http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/write_the_new_congress/ As the new Congress settles in and begins developing its political agenda, it's more critical than ever that we let our representatives know where we stand on the regulation of video game sales: it is a waste of legislators' time and taxpayers' money! Take just a moment to write your elected representative and introduce yourself as a constituent who cares about video games and First Amendment rights. Legislation, Take Action 2009-01-16T20:27:27+00:00 http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/pennsylvania_task_force_to_legislature_video_game_regulations_are_not_neces/ http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/pennsylvania_task_force_to_legislature_video_game_regulations_are_not_neces/ Recently, the Pennsylvania Task Force on Violent Interactive Video Games released a landmark report to the state legislature, which makes the case for NOT enacting video game regulations. The report is a comprehensive study with input from a diverse group of participants including experts on First Amendment issues, social science, clinical psychology, members of the game and entertainment industry and law enforcement. Industry News, Report, Research, Study, Industry Support 2008-12-22T13:26:07+00:00 http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/esrb_launches_more_parental_tools_rating_summaries_mobile_site/ http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/esrb_launches_more_parental_tools_rating_summaries_mobile_site/ The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) recently launched two more initiatives to empower parents with the right information: rating summaries and an ESRB mobile site. More parental education efforts, rather than intrusive video game regulations, are the only way to ensure the protection of children, while protecting our favorite form of entertainment. Rating, Industry News 2008-11-19T13:06:30+00:00 http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/on_g4_new_e3_video_game_voters_network/ http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/on_g4_new_e3_video_game_voters_network/ The news of the new E3 Expo next year shook up the video game community this week. Rich Taylor, Senior VP of Communications & Research at the ESA (VGVN's parent organization), speaks with G4's Adam Sessler about the plans for the bigger & better E3, and the efforts of the Video Game Voters Network. Game 2008-10-24T19:53:54+00:00 http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/the_tide_is_turning_share_the_story/ http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/the_tide_is_turning_share_the_story/ Sen. Barack Obama, the Democratic candidate for President has become the first presidential candidate ever to advertise for his campaign inside video games. According to the Associated Press, Sen. Obama is advertising in eighteen video games encouraging gamers to register and vote. Sen. Obama's advertising leaves no doubts about the political significance of gamers. Game 2008-10-16T21:04:57+00:00 http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/insomniac_games_ceo_-_video_game_legislation_has_no_place_in_america/ http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/insomniac_games_ceo_-_video_game_legislation_has_no_place_in_america/ Video games are an art and the people who come together to produce them are artists. This is one of the many reasons the Video Game Voters Network stands up to defend video games. If they are created by artists, they should be treated like other forms of art--books, music and movies are all protected under the First Amendment. Game, Legislation 2008-10-08T19:20:10+00:00 http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/report_finds_the_future_may_bring_more_video_game_voters/ http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/report_finds_the_future_may_bring_more_video_game_voters/ A recent report by the Pew Internet & American Life Project finds that, contrary to popular misconceptions, video games are a mainstream social activity for teenagers and, even more importantly, they may have a positive effect on teen's civic and political engagement. The Entertainment Software Association has said the findings show that video games are beneficial. Game 2008-09-26T13:03:45+00:00 http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/stop_sen._wickers_anti-video_game_bill/ http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/stop_sen._wickers_anti-video_game_bill/ U.S. Senator, Roger Wicker, sponsored S.3315, video game legislation in which he is attempting to solve a problem that doesn't exist because video game producers already self-regulate the industry. It is important for all Mississippi residents who love video games to send him a letter opposing this regulation! 2008-07-29T14:23:51+00:00 http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/minnesota_taxpayers_paying_for_states_mistake/ http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/minnesota_taxpayers_paying_for_states_mistake/ Taxpayers in that state found out this week how much it cost them for their elected officials' decision to advance an unconstitutional attempt at regulating computer and video games. On June 30, the state of Minnesota reimbursed the video game industry for attorney's fees--an amount totaling over $65,000. Minnesota is the latest state to see unconstitutional video game legislation struck down and paid for it with taxpayer dollars. Game, Legislation 2008-07-03T16:49:53+00:00 http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/stop_ny_senators_anti-video_game_bill_today/ http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/stop_ny_senators_anti-video_game_bill_today/ NY state senator, Andrew Lanza, is renewing his unfair assault against video games by pushing for statewide regulation to a vote today. Action, Game, Legislation 2008-06-23T20:49:15+00:00 http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/vgvn_voices_heard_in_massachusetts_now_it_is_arizonas_turn_to_take_action/ http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/vgvn_voices_heard_in_massachusetts_now_it_is_arizonas_turn_to_take_action/ In the last two weeks, VGVN members in Massachusetts were alerted about a proposed measure, HB 1423, which would have criminalized the sale or rental of violent video games to minors (for more information read the report from G4). VGVN members in the Commonwealth responded en force and stood up for their rights. Hundreds of members sent letters opposing the bill and pressured elected officials in Massachusetts to do the right thing. 2008-04-03T17:20:55+00:00 http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/first_amendment_threatened_by_arizona_bill/ http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/first_amendment_threatened_by_arizona_bill/ Once again, some politicians are attempting to take away our First Amendment rights. AZ HB 2660 aims to circumvent the Constitution by penalizing video game developers and blaming them for society's ills. This bill punishes individuals who produce or distribute so called "dangerous" materials, as they define it "anything an accused individual might claim 'drove' them to commit a felony or act of terrorism." 2008-03-27T19:58:17+00:00 http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/new_mexico_game_tax_defeated_a_victory_for_the_game_community/ http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/new_mexico_game_tax_defeated_a_victory_for_the_game_community/ Last week, VGVN members in New Mexico sent letters to their state legislators to denounce the proposed bill that subjected video game purchases to an additional tax. Thanks in part to the swift action of New Mexico members, the New Mexico House Business and Industry Committee rejected the bill on a 9-0 vote. Game, Legislation 2008-03-04T12:23:52+00:00 http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/the_fight_for_video_games_launches_into_facebook_-_become_a_fan_now/ http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/the_fight_for_video_games_launches_into_facebook_-_become_a_fan_now/ The Video Game Voters Network (VGVN) is committed to raising awareness of the fight against video game regulation wherever we can. That's why we've launched a Facebook page to help spread the word. If you're already on Facebook, become a fan of our page, and then you can help spread the word about the fight to your friends on Facebook - show AND share support now! Action, Game 2007-12-18T17:41:08+00:00 http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/wall_of_protest_launches_-_be_a_part_of_the_picture_protest/ http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/wall_of_protest_launches_-_be_a_part_of_the_picture_protest/ We launched the Wall of Protest Against Video Game Regulation, and we've received an enthusiastic response with over 250+ submissions from across the nation, and even contributions from Australia, England, France, and Brazil! Whether displayed in game, in real life, or as cartoons, the protests raise awareness and display the passion behind this issue both within and outside of the video game community. Action, Game 2007-12-07T18:11:04+00:00 http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/join_the_wall_of_protest_share_a_photo/ http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/join_the_wall_of_protest_share_a_photo/ The Network is launching the Wall of Protest to represent the widespread opposition against the government's regulation of video games. Check it out, share a photo, and join the Wall of Protest to make a stand against video game regulation. Action, Legislation 2007-10-16T13:15:20+00:00 http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/video_games_sales_ok_in_oklahoma/ http://www.videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/video_games_sales_ok_in_oklahoma/ In another victory for video games, the United States District Court this week once again ruled that video games are protected speech under the First Amendment. Judge Robin Cauthron of the Western District of Oklahoma issued a very strong decision permanently stopping the Oklahoma Violent Video Game Law. Game, Legislation 2007-09-19T20:23:46+00:00