October 25, 2006
We've got some big news today!GamePolitics.com has been acquired by the Entertainment Consumers Association (ECA), the innovative consumer group for gamers launched recently by former IEMA president Hal Halpin.
As GP editor and founder, I'm proud to be associated with Hal's new organization, which is designed to be the voice of today's video game consumer. Here at GamePolitics we've always had a consumer-oriented outlook, but until now, there was no organized group to fight for gamers and their interests. With the launch of the ECA, gamers now have someone to watch their backs.
As far as content, readers shouldn't expect to see any difference in GP's daily features. I'll be staying on as GamePolitics editor, and we'll have the same in-depth coverage of legislative, political and cultural issues that you've come to expect from GamePolitics. Of course, we've also got great resources like the Legislation Tracker, forums and much more. Look for some new features upcoming as well!
The ECA is issuing a press release today that addresses both the GamePolitics acquisition as well as a new partnership with NCsoft and its PlaySmart public service program which is designed to educate consumers on personal safety and privacy for online gamers, especially children.
The San Jose Mercury-News' Dean & Nooch game blog has more. So does Gamasutra. And GameSpot. And this one from Kotaku that I'm not so crazy about...
Comments
Congratulations Dennis, you've certainly earned it over these last few months.
http://gamepolitics.com/2006/10/12/hal-halpin-launches-consumer-group-fo...
;-)
@OMK - I'd pay Hal Halpin to let me keep doing this! (but don't let that get around...)
When's the party? (note: rhetorical if no party is planned)
Now that that formal stuff is out of the way...: WOOOO! Go you! yay!
Well, certain parties have been accusing that since GP was first set up. ;)
http://yro.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=06/10/25/1628225
This is an excellent turn of events. Normally, I'd be skeptical, and talk about potential selling out, but I've talked to both Hal (via his GP Q/A a few months back) and Dennis (wrote him a book review).
I trust them both as consumate professionals, with the interests of gamers at heart.
Three Cheers All Around!
*HUZZAAH FOR THE SHOPKEEP!!*
~~All Knowledge is Worth Having~~
You used to be cool Dennis. Now you're just part of the video game consumer grouo machine. Fight the power!
But seriously, I hope this leads to good things.
Sounds like something spicy....with noodles ;)
Forgot to congratulate you, Dennis! That's fantastic news!
Hmmm... "acquired", eh? Don't spend it all on one place ;)
How do you like them apples,censorcrats? we have buddies now!!!!
But what does"cheif political editor" mean?
That, and GP does have some people who would play the devil's advocate. I for one would not oppose media ratings having the force of law, as long as it's done in a way that would actually serve anyone's interest - for starters, regulations should affect all media, not just games. So I doubt this change necessarily cause any major change in site content or discussion. There's still a wide variety of opinions that comment, and I'm willing to give Dennis the benefit of the doubt that he won't be just another industry shill.
So all in all I say this is a nice new opportunity for the site and don't think it'll be as bad as some would say. Congrats, GP!
For that matter, never been much in favor of the ECA. Why should consumers need to pay membership fees for the lobbying group when the game companies can easily find ways to funnel money to support the organization? Yes, there should be a consumer lobbying group but there is no need to charge an admission fee.
My two cents...
The ECA != "The Industry"
-That is why there is a member fee, we back the orgainization.
@jjb41
Of course there has to be a fee. Who pays for the service the ECA provides? The industry? Nope. (see above)
Look, it remains to be seen if the ECA turns out badly. But knowing the folks involved makes me think otherwise.
~~All Knowledge is Worth Having~~
Personally, I don't expect the style of reporting to change, Dennis has always been critical of certain practices regarding Sports games, for example, I don't see that changing simply because of his involvement with a Consumer relations association, if anything, it gives our voices and concerns more weight.
"...witchhunting that passes for goverment these days."
I'm not trying to split hairs here, but understand that not everyone in the federal government is into this silly, misguided, unconstitutional behavior. So if you could please avoid painting the government with a broad brush, and not lump us pro-game feds with these other idiots, that would be better for gaming society as a whole...
Being acquired by the ECA is one way to really ruin the "unbiased" reputation. As an advocacy group, it is by definition biased, and it's going to be much harder for people unfamiliar with GP or the ECA to take seriously.
Now, as far as the people involved... I know you've done a lot of work for GP, Dennis, so it's awesome to see you get some (unknown) reward for your excellent work. And I trust that you'll stay more or less neutral. And I have a lot of respect for Hal, too.
So from me, a tempered congratulations!
As a side note, I hadn't been following the ECA too closely until now. Joining doesn't seem like a bad idea, though, which might be the most obvious immediate benefit of the purchase...
- Warren Lewis
*opens another wine bottle*
One question though: Do you get one of those cool 'PRESS' cards to wear in your hat now when you talk about video games to politicians? ;) Hehe. Have a great day Dennis!
Just kidding, I hope we see Hal more often around here. The guy is really awesome.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that why Hal formed the ECA, so there'd be an organization that put the consumer's first, even if it was at the industry's expense?
@Brer - hey, I never fault anyone for a "wait-and-see" attitude. In regard to Hal and the retailers, I can tell you this:
He's out of that business now. He's devoted himself to this ECA concept, being the voice of the game consumer. Just watch him go... He knows how to get things done.
Either way, this is good news, as hal has been a firm supporter of both GP, and Gamers in general.
Heres to seeing the ECA and GP bring back civility and intelligence to the debate, as certain "parties" have tried to remove those thigns from it.
I am not saying neutrally is dead it is just a rarity ,also if one constantly keeps a balance in reporting on most issues dose that not make him neutral in the end even tho he naturally leans one way?
If this is not so then CNN and Fox news are part of the political machine for the side they have chosen and not news agency's that have a naturally tilt.
Even though GP has always had a pro-game bias, being bought out by an advocacy group removes any impartiality, especially in the eyes of groups like NIMF.
A response to these questions would be nice too, Dennis ;)
However, It's not like TakeTwo/Sony/Microsoft or any other publisher is a sponsor of ECA, so I don't see a conflict of interest on that level.
@Jes:
Careful, not everyone here is 21... =)
The ECA is based in Connecticut. I'm based in Philly area. Hal Halpin is a busy guy. I'm a busy guy.
I have one job here, to keep GP up and running. I'll still be selecting, editing & writing the stories the same as always.