Electronic Software Association
Electronic Software Association business and news from across the web.- 'This Is Borderline Evil' - Minecraft Creator Speaks Out Against ESA Calling Private Servers 'Illegal'Minecraft creator Markus Persson has criticized the Electronic Software Association for labeling private servers as illegal. Persson, also known as 'Notch,' believes this stance is 'borderline evil' and is sparking debate about server legality and intellectual property.
- The ESA is up to its tired old tricks in helping to block a California games preservation billThe Electronic Software Association (ESA) is reportedly lobbying against California's AB 1921, the Protect Our Games Act, which aims to preserve online games. The ESA is accused of using misleading claims to deter lawmakers, including calling private servers for games like Minecraft and Call of Duty illegal. Despite the bill failing to pass committee, the 'Stop Killing Games' initiative plans to continue advocating for game preservation.
The Average Gamer's Lifestyle Guide: Balance, Wellness, and Better Play | TAGThis guide reframes gaming as a valid wellness routine, backed by scientific research on stress relief, cognitive benefits, and social connection. It offers practical advice on optimizing gaming setups for ergonomics, incorporating short stretching routines, managing screen time for eye health, and choosing appropriate games before bed to avoid sleep disruption. The article emphasizes that gaming, when approached mindfully, can be a crucial component of a balanced lifestyle, countering the guilt often associated with leisure time.- California lawmakers advance a bill to protect online games from forever deletionCalifornia lawmakers have advanced AB 1921, also known as the Protect Our Games Act, which aims to protect live service games from permanent deletion. The bill passed a floor vote and now moves to the State Senate, requiring studios to provide 60 days' notice before ending support, offer an offline mode, or issue refunds.
- MMO Business Roundup: XBOX’s rebrand, California games law, and Far Far West’s 1M soldThis MMO business roundup covers several industry developments, including California's game ownership law advancing, Steam's community market upgrades, and an AI video contest proposed by Party Animals developers. It also notes the Xbox brand's rebranding to XBOX and the early access extraction FPS Far Far West selling over one million copies on Steam.