Entertainment Software Association of Canada
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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."
The video games industry wants to keep killing games, actually
The 'Stop Killing Games' initiative is advocating for legislation like California's AB 1921, the Protect Our Games Act, to prevent video games from becoming unplayable when online services are shut down. The Entertainment Software Association is lobbying against the bill, arguing that games are licensed, not owned, and that server maintenance is complex. The initiative counters that the proposed law offers companies options like patching games for offline play or issuing refunds, rather than demanding perpetual server support.
Stop Killing Games says age verification laws make game preservation ‘harder or even impossible’
The Stop Killing Games movement argues that age verification laws will make game preservation more difficult or impossible, particularly for fan-run servers. They contend that these laws create new gatekeepers and collect sensitive data without addressing root causes of online harm. Separately, the Entertainment Software Association opposes a California bill requiring advance notice for online game service closures, stating it could hinder new game development.
Xbox Game Pass "starter edition" now officially bundled with Discord Nitro memberships, with more benefits coming soon
Xbox Game Pass has officially partnered with Discord Nitro, offering a starter edition of the subscription service to eligible Nitro members. This collaboration also includes deeper integration within Discord, allowing users to easily access and try Game Pass titles. Separately, a debate is ongoing in California regarding consumer protection law AB 1921, which aims to ensure offline access or refunds for games when online services cease, with the ESA opposing it and consumer groups like Stop Killing Games supporting it.
E3 started 31 years ago today and gaming was never the same
The Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), which began 31 years ago on May 11, 1995, fundamentally changed the video game industry by providing a dedicated event for game announcements and reveals. The inaugural show saw significant moments like Sega's surprise Sega Saturn launch and Sony's iconic PlayStation price reveal, which shifted the console market. While E3 was once the dominant force in gaming news, the rise of digital showcases and independent events, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, led to its eventual discontinuation in 2023.
"The industry wants people to think this is a demand for eternal server support ... it isn't" - E3 owner and Stop Killing Games clash over Californian games bill
The proposed California consumer protection law AB 1921, which would mandate offline versions or refunds for digital games when online services cease, is facing industry opposition from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). Consumer group Stop Killing Games argues the bill is a reasonable request for basic end-of-life protections, not an unreasonable demand for eternal server support. The ESA claims the bill could stifle innovation and force developers to maintain old systems instead of creating new content.
California bill pushing to keep games playable after server shutdowns "doesn't reflect how games actually work", ESA assert
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) opposes a California bill, AB 1921, that would require game publishers to offer playable versions or refunds when shutting down online game servers. The ESA argues the bill doesn't reflect current game development realities and could stifle innovation. The 'Stop Killing Games' campaign supports the bill, advocating for a fair end-of-life framework for online games.
ESA Says Bill Pushing For Offline Versions Of Live-Service Games Would Hurt Developers
The Entertainment Software Association is opposing California Assembly Bill 1921, which would require developers of live-service games to provide advance notice of server shutdowns, offer refunds, and potentially make games playable offline. The ESA argues this legislation would divert resources from creating new content and doesn't reflect the realities of modern game development.
ESA's iicon was a promising start, but needs more commitment and more candour | Opinion
The Entertainment Software Association's new industry event, iicon, shows promise with its focus on strategy and C-suite discussions, attracting key executives from major companies. However, the event suffered from notable absences from major players like Xbox, Nintendo, and Sony, and a lack of candid, insightful discussions from those who did attend, hindering its potential impact.
ESA Canada Reveals Resident Evil Requiem is Canada's Top Selling Game For March 2026 | Console Creatures
Entertainment Software Association Canada has reported that Resident Evil Requiem was the top-selling game in Canada for March 2026. The monthly rankings also featured titles like MLB The Show 26, WWE 2K26, Marathon, and various sports games, with data compiled in collaboration with Circana.
ESA Canada Reveals Resident Evil Requiem is Canada's Top Selling Game For Mach 2026 | Console Creatures
Resident Evil Requiem was Canada's top-selling game in March 2026, according to data released by ESA Canada and Circana. The monthly rankings also featured titles like MLB The Show 26, WWE 2K26, Marathon, and various sports games. Digital sales for Pokémon Pokopia were excluded from the March rankings.
Why Indie Tactical Games are Entering a New Golden Age in 2026 - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
The indie game scene is experiencing a resurgence in complex, high-stakes tactical titles, offering an alternative to simplified AAA strategy games. Developers are focusing on punishing but fair mechanics, 'Ironman' modes, and deep systems that reward player mastery. Games like Final Fantasy Tactics and Tactics Ogre: Reborn are highlighted as inspirations for this trend.
ESA's iicon conference expands speaker lineup, with EA's Andrew Wilson joining CEOs of Ubisoft, Take Two, Riot, Savvy Games and more
The Entertainment Software Association's new iicon conference has expanded its speaker lineup, adding Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson. He will join other industry leaders including Yves Guillemot of Ubisoft, Strauss Zelnick of Take-Two Interactive, Dylan Jadeja of Riot Games, and Brian Ward of Savvy Games Group. The event focuses on interactive entertainment and its expansion opportunities across various industries.
Here Are Your Canadian Game Awards 2026 Nominees | Console Creatures
The Canadian Game Awards have announced their nominees for 2026, celebrating the Canadian games industry. The event will take place on May 21, 2026, in Toronto, with tickets available for purchase and a Fan Choice Award voted on by the public in partnership with the Entertainment Software Association of Canada. Victor Lucas will receive the Game Changer Award.
The Canadian Game Awards Has Unleashed It's 2026 Nominees & New Location
The Canadian Game Awards have announced the nominees for their 2026 ceremony, which will be held on May 21st at Toronto's John W.H. Bassett Theatre. Victor Lucas will receive the Game Changer Award. The awards celebrate Canadian developers and releases from 2025, with categories including Game of the Year, Studio of the Year, and Best Indie Game.
