LADYDRAGON.COM - Computer and Video Game Group Retires IDSA Name; Reborn as the Entertainment Software Association

Monday July 21, 2003

Computer and Video Game Group Retires IDSA Name; Reborn as the Entertainment Software Association

The association representing U.S. computer and video game software publishers, formerly the Interactive Digital Software Association (IDSA), today announced that it has formally changed its name to the Entertainment Software Association (ESA).

"More than half of all Americans derive hundreds of hours of entertainment from the software they play on their PCs, their video game consoles, their cell phones, and on the Internet," said ESA President Douglas Lowenstein. "The members of the ESA are the companies creating and publishing this entertainment software and our new name is a more clear and direct statement defining this exciting industry we represent."

The new name will be used effective immediately. The association web site, formerly www.idsa.com, can now be found at www.theESA.com.

"We did not arrive at this decision lightly," Lowenstein said. "We consulted with people we've worked with in the industry, the media, and in government. And it was clear to us that the name ESA adds a clarity and focus that will enhance our ability to represent the industry as we look forward to the tenth anniversary of the association's creation."

The ESA is the U.S. association dedicated to serving the business and public affairs needs of the companies publishing interactive games for video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers, and the Internet. ESA members collectively account for more than 90 percent of the $6.9 billion in entertainment software sales in the U.S. in 2002, and billions more in export sales of American-made entertainment software. The ESA offers services to interactive entertainment software publishers including a global anti-piracy program, owning the Electronic Entertainment Expo trade show, business and consumer research, government relations and First Amendment and intellectual property protection efforts. For more information, please visit www.theESA.com.