Congressional Caucus Formed to Support Video Game Industry

Members of Congress and representatives from the video game industry launched a new caucus this morning at an event on Capitol Hill, reports Gamasutra. The "Caucus for Competitiveness in Entertainment Technology" (E-Tech Caucus) wants to champion issues that help foster growth in the interactive entertainment sector.

This first caucus meeting is attended by Congressman Kevin Brady (R-TX), co-chair and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Cooney Center executive director Michael H. Levine, Ph.D., Entertainment Software Association CEO Michael Gallagher, and other members of the caucus.

A representative for Congressman Brady pointed out today that the video game industry generates over 120,000 jobs across 34 states in the United States, with average salaries of $89,000. Brady's PR rep added that the industry brings in around $24 billion in revenue in the U.S. Besides supporting pro-game industry policies and legislation, the Caucus plans to take a serious look at intellectual property theft.

ESA CEO Michael Gallagher applauded the efforts, and said that he is looking forward to working with the caucus on a number of issues:

"Our industry has demonstrated great potential over the last few years in many new areas, including health, education, and medicine," said Gallagher. "It is our goal to work with the E-Tech Caucus to continue that growth well into the 21st century by fostering the creation of more innovative technologies and growing America’s competitive position in the global entertainment technology marketplace."

Source: Gamasutra