ESA stands for Entertainment Software Association, formerly known as the Interactive Digital Software Association (IDSA). The ESA is a trade association representing the computer and video games industry in the United States. The group is responsible for the annual E3 Expo and supports the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB). The group has some main goals that it aims to achieve. Among them is ESA's efforts to keep Government bodies away from the self-regulating games industry, opposing Government censorship or Government regulations of video games at all costs.
The group will even sue a state that attempts to impose a law to ban the sale of violent video games to minors and has succeeded in having many attempts declared unconstitutional. Another major concern for the ESA is game software piracy. The games industry has been suffering from piracy for as long as games have existed. In modern days, the ESA targets modchip dealers and legislation about modified consoles and game copying.
ESA members include some huge players in the market including Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony Computer Entertainment, Electronic Arts, Vivendi Universal Games, Disney Interactive Studios, Activision, Capcom and Eidos. The ESA has also established the "ESA Foundation" with a goal of supporting positive programs and opportunities that will make a difference in the quality of life, health and welfare of America's youth. The Foundation seeks to harness the collective power of the industry to create positive social impact in our communities.
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