Entertainment Software Association of Canada
Entertainment Software Association of Canada business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Ubisoft closing studios in Winnipeg and Belgrade and cutting publishing roles worldwide, 380 jobs at risk
Ubisoft is closing its studios in Winnipeg and Belgrade and making further cuts to its global publishing team, affecting approximately 380 roles. The Barcelona studio will refocus exclusively on the Rainbow Six franchise. Separately, the Entertainment Software Association is warning that a proposed 'No Fakes Act' could harm the video game industry by failing to distinguish between harmful deepfakes and legitimate digital replicas used in game development.
Morning Legal Briefs
The Entertainment Software Association is urging lawmakers to consider video game replicas when drafting new legislation. Separately, the European Union has instructed Meta to reinstate access for rival chatbots to its WhatsApp platform.
ESA says anti-deepfake act could 'devastate' video game industry
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has expressed strong opposition to SAG-AFTRA's proposed "No Fakes" act, arguing that its current wording creates significant legal uncertainty and could devastate the video game industry. ESA president Stanley Pierre-Louis stated that the act's broad definition of "digital replica" could lead to frivolous lawsuits and that the cost of litigation would be economically devastating, despite the industry likely prevailing in court.
ESA warns 'No Fakes Act' fails to distinguish between deepfakes and digital replicas used in video games
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has warned that the proposed 'No Fakes Act' could negatively impact the video game industry by failing to distinguish between harmful deepfakes and legitimate digital replicas used in game development. ESA president Stanley Pierre-Louis urged the US Senate Judiciary Committee to amend the bill, expressing concerns that its current definition could lead to frivolous lawsuits and economically devastating litigation for developers.
Game History and Preservation
An opinion piece by Entertainment Software Association CEO Stanley Pierre-Louis argues that a California bill could negatively impact the online video game industry. The article focuses on the potential harms to game preservation efforts and the broader industry landscape.
Is gaming better value than movies? New study shows US gamers think it's a better use of their cash
A new study by the Entertainment Software Association reveals that a majority of Americans believe video games offer superior entertainment value for their money compared to other media. The report also highlights that 67% of Americans play games weekly, with significant engagement from parents playing with their children and spending on in-game content across various age groups.
Total consumer spending on games topped $60B in the US in 2025
Total consumer spending on video games in the US reached $60.7 billion in 2025, according to the Entertainment Software Association's 2026 Essential Facts report. This figure, sourced via Circana, comprises $52.3 billion for content, $5.4 billion for hardware, and $2.95 billion for accessories, nearly matching the record spending of 2021. The report also details player preferences for game attributes, purchase methods, and in-game content.
ESA: 67% of Americans played video games for more than an hour in 2025
The Entertainment Software Association's 2026 report reveals that over 212 million Americans played video games in 2025, with the average player age being 37. Mobile remains the most popular platform, used by 80% of players, while PC and console usage declines with age. The study also highlights the positive perception of video games, with a majority of Americans viewing them as beneficial for mental stimulation, stress relief, and skill development.
Game Preservation Matters: Why Classic Games Are Disappearing | TAG
A significant portion of classic video games, estimated at 87% released before 2010, are no longer commercially available due to delisting and lack of preservation efforts. The US Copyright Office's denial of a petition for remote access for researchers highlights a systemic issue, with the industry lobbying group ESA actively opposing preservation. Organizations like the Video Game History Foundation and GOG are working to combat this cultural catastrophe, advocating for legal reform and offering DRM-free options.
'This Policy Doesn't Reflect How Games Actually Work Today': Stop Killing Games Gets Big Win, But the Fight Is Far from Over
The consumer movement Stop Killing Games has achieved a significant victory as the California State Assembly passed the 'Protect Our Games' act, which aims to prevent publishers from permanently disabling games by shutting down servers. The bill proposes requiring publishers to provide advance notice of server closures and ensure playable single-player modes indefinitely for commercially available titles. However, the Entertainment Software Association argues the proposal is not feasible and could hinder the development of new games and technology.
The Stop Killing Games movement hits another major milestone as a game preservation bill passes California State…
The California State Assembly has passed the Protect Our Games Act (AB 1921), a bill aimed at improving game preservation. The legislation requires companies to provide 60 days' notice before shutting down online servers, offer ways for players to continue playing post-support, or issue refunds. This move by Stop Killing Games marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to ensure digital games remain accessible.
Stop Killing Games consumer protection bill passes floor vote in California
The California State Assembly has passed the Protect Our Games Act (AB 1921), a bill aimed at protecting consumer rights and ensuring game preservation. The legislation, motivated by incidents like Ubisoft's shutdown of The Crew, would require publishers to provide offline access or refunds when server-dependent games are discontinued. The bill now moves to the California State Senate, facing opposition from industry groups like Video Games Europe and the ESA who argue it could increase development costs and stifle innovation.
Stop Killing Games-backed bill that'd bar publishers from switching off game servers without thinking of players passes California State Assembly vote
A bill in California, backed by the Stop Killing Games campaign, has passed the State Assembly and is moving to the State Senate. The legislation would require publishers to offer refunds or playable offline versions of games when shutting down online servers. The Entertainment Software Association opposes the bill, while a similar EU petition is awaiting a response.
Popular Online Video Games Right Now (2026)
This article discusses the factors contributing to the enduring popularity of online video games in 2026, focusing on competitive balance, social interaction, and continuous updates. It categorizes popular genres like tactical shooters, battle royales, MMORPGs, MOBAs, and co-op sandbox games, offering advice on choosing a game that fits individual preferences and schedules. The piece also touches upon the potential downsides of live-service models, such as pressure from daily rewards and battle passes, and emphasizes the importance of responsible play and time management.
Stop Killing Games wins California Assembly committee vote, Protect Our Games Act heads to floor
The AB 1921 Protect Our Games Act has advanced through the California Assembly Appropriations Committee, moving closer to a floor vote. This bill requires game developers to provide 60 days' notice before terminating online services for games released after January 1, 2027, and offer purchasers alternatives like offline play or refunds. The Entertainment Software Association has been lobbying against the bill.
California Protect Our Games Act backed by Stop Killing Games passes key hurdle
The California Protect Our Games Act, backed by Stop Killing Games, has passed a key hurdle in the California State Assembly Appropriations Committee. The bill aims to amend laws to prevent developers from completely removing access to digital games, requiring notice for server shutdowns and options for continued play or refunds. The Entertainment Software Association has lobbied against the bill, which now moves forward to the assembly floor.
California bill pushing to keep games playable after server shutdowns passes key hurdle, paving way for full assembly vote
A California bill, AB 1921, aimed at game preservation has passed a key hurdle in the state's Committee on Appropriations. The bill requires studios to either maintain online game functionality or offer refunds, and faces opposition from the Entertainment Software Association. It now moves to a full assembly vote, with the governor having the final say if it passes the legislature.
Game History and Preservation
Stop Killing Games has won a legal battle against the Entertainment Software Association in California. This victory is seen as a significant step forward for game preservation efforts.
Games for Change to “Reimagine Play,” Featuring Leaders from PBS KIDS, EA, Neopets, SYBO, BBC, and More at 2026 Games for Change Festival
Games for Change announced the first wave of speakers for its 23rd annual Festival, themed "Reimagining Play," taking place July 21-22, 2026, in New York City. The event will feature leaders from PBS KIDS, Electronic Arts, Neopets, SYBO, BBC, and more to discuss how games and immersive media can drive social impact and shape real-world connections. Programming includes sessions, a Playtest Lab, the Games for Change Awards, and the G4C Arcade.
Industry lobbyists ridicule "false premise" that "consumers 'own' digital games" amid Stop…
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) is lobbying against California's proposed "Protect Our Games Act" (AB-1921), arguing that consumers do not "own" digital games but rather license them. The bill would require publishers to keep games playable or offer refunds when they shut down, a move the ESA claims is based on a "false premise."
