Video Game Industry Veteran Launches Consumer Advocacy Group

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on October 12, 2006 - 1:13pm.

Wilton, Conn. - The Entertainment Consumers Association (ECA), a new Web-based consumer advocacy group that will lobby local and federal lawmakers on behalf of video gamers, announced its launch on Thursday. The non-profit group was created by Hal Halpin, founder of the Interactive Entertainment Merchants Association (IEMA) -- a trade group representing the video and computer game industries that recently merged with the Video Software Dealers Association (VSDA). "These individuals are the life-blood to this multibillion dollar industry yet they have been unrepresented, until now, which is exciting for myself and the rest of the ECA team as we are the organization that now allows their voices to be heard," said Halpin. The ECA will represent gamers in areas like consumer rights, anti-games legislation and a host of other public policy concerns. For a $19.99 annual membership, the ECA will also offer discounts on games and access to industry events, and in the future potentially career assistance, scholarships and low-cost health insurance.
http://tinyurl.com/yb5vxg
http://www.theeca.com