ESA Scores $283,000 Payoff Over 2005 California Video Game Law

Despite the vote of no confidence the Entertainment Software Association received from former members, it’s apparently been busier than advertised. The advocate for US game publishers issued a press release today announcing California has settled a grievance over a 2005 video game law to the tune of $282,794.

The sum covers the ESA’s legal expenses incurred while representing the games industry over California’s 2005 video game law. A U.S. District Court Judge declared the law introduced by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger unconstitutional in August, 2007.

According to GamePolitics ESA CEO Michael Gallagher offered a scathing commentary on the state’s use of funds to pursue frivolous personal agendas.

California deserves more from its legislators than pursuing flawed legislation. State employees are facing pay cuts. California’s services are being scaled back. And, anxiety is rising in Sacramento to find funds. Rather than tackling real problems affecting Californians, they chose to waste time, money and state resources. It is shameful that legislators pursued personal agendas in spite of the facts.

Caregivers are not well-served by court battles and legal fees. Rather, they would have been far better off if state officials worked together with our industry to raise awareness about video game ratings and the parental controls available on all new game consoles—both of which help ensure that the games children play are parent-approved.

California is in a state of crisis and is struggling to agree on a new budget. The California Progress Report political news blog is giving a daily blow by blow of the situation. A state budget has been MIA for 35 days now and California is in the hole to the tune of $15.2 billion. Unfortunately Republicans are opposed the proposed plan and Democrats are no more supportive siting concerns over reforms and sales tax increases.

According to guardian.co.uk, Gov. Schwarzenegger signed an executive order terminating 10,300 part-time jobs last week. The order also reduces the pay of 200,000 state employees to the federal minimum wage until a state budget is approved.

Amidst this financial crisis, Gov. Schwarzenegger has ordered an appeal on the Judge’s injunction through the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Gallagher’s response:

It is unfortunate that the state is stubbornly pursuing an appeal that is likely to lead to even more court-awarded fees.

It looks like the ESA can expect another check in the future.