Industry Spotlight: The Entertainment Software Association

www.theesa.com

            If you have played any video game since 1994, then you have most likely experienced the Entertainment Software Association’s involvement within the industry some way, shape, or form. The ESA is a trade association that helps game developing companies out with many aspects of doing business and issues within the political arena. Almost every major game developer and software designer is a part of this association. Currently they boast 36 active members, ranging from easily recognizable names like Microsoft to smaller developers and start-ups.

The ESA is also responsible for creating and operating the E3 Expo. E3 is a trade show where mostly all of the ESA members, and other non-members, exhibit up and coming concepts and finished products. To be able to attend, one must be part of the gaming and software industry somehow, for it is not open to the general public. But the general public can attend virtually through live on-line streaming or cable network coverage. E3 is always expected to turn out surprises within the gaming world. Who is going to announce the coolest, newest game? Or will there be a new system introduced at this year’s expo?

The ESA has taken proactive steps in the political arena when they established the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) back in 1994. The purpose of the ESRB is to act as a self-regulating body within the gaming industry. It works through voluntary submission, but almost all game developers submit their games in for review. Once the ESRB receives a game they will review it and assign it a rating ranging from Early Childhood to Adults Only. These ratings are in place to help promote safe decision-making, especially for parents, when it comes to buying new games. They work in the same manner that the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) works for the film industry. All in all, the ESRB is but one of many avenues the ESA takes to help ensure the future stability and growth of the video game industry.

As an outsider, looking to one day completely be involved within the industry, I see the ESA as an opportunity to learn and get questions answered. Currently, I have reached out to the organization by inquiring on what the requirements are for membership.  Since I have yet to receive any feedback, unfortunately I cannot answer the requirements question today. As I am sure I will be hearing from them soon though, I will be more than happy to update this post with any feedback I receive. Until then, I encourage any aspiring game developer or software designer to get acquainted with the Entertainment Software Association, for it is definitely an eye opener into the industry as a whole.