The Tide is Turning, Share the Story
Sen. Barack Obama, the Democratic candidate for President has become the first presidential candidate ever to advertise for his campaign inside video games. According to the Associated Press, Sen. Obama is advertising in eighteen video games encouraging gamers to register and vote. Sen. Obama's advertising leaves no doubts about the political significance of gamers.
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Insomniac Games CEO - “Video Game Legislation has No Place in America”
Video games are an art and the people who come together to produce them are artists. This is one of the many reasons the Video Game Voters Network stands up to defend video games. If they are created by artists, they should be treated like other forms of art--books, music and movies are all protected under the First Amendment.
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Report Finds the Future May Bring More Video Game Voters
A recent report by the Pew Internet & American Life Project finds that, contrary to popular misconceptions, video games are a mainstream social activity for teenagers and, even more importantly, they may have a positive effect on teen's civic and political engagement. The Entertainment Software Association has said the findings show that video games are beneficial.
Stop Sen. Wicker’s Anti-Video Game Bill
U.S. Senator, Roger Wicker, sponsored S.3315, video game legislation in which he is attempting to solve a problem that doesn't exist because video game producers already self-regulate the industry. It is important for all Mississippi residents who love video games to send him a letter opposing this regulation!
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Minnesota Taxpayers Paying for State’s Mistake
Taxpayers in that state found out this week how much it cost them for their elected officials' decision to advance an unconstitutional attempt at regulating computer and video games. On June 30, the state of Minnesota reimbursed the video game industry for attorney's fees--an amount totaling over $65,000. Minnesota is the latest state to see unconstitutional video game legislation struck down and paid for it with taxpayer dollars.
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Stop NY Senator’s Anti-Video Game Bill Today!
NY state senator, Andrew Lanza, is renewing his unfair assault against video games by pushing for statewide regulation to a vote today.
Categories: Action,Game,Legislation
VGVN Voices Heard in Massachusetts; Now it is Arizona’s Turn to Take Action
In the last two weeks, VGVN members in Massachusetts were alerted about a proposed measure, HB 1423, which would have criminalized the sale or rental of violent video games to minors (for more information read the report from G4). VGVN members in the Commonwealth responded en force and stood up for their rights. Hundreds of members sent letters opposing the bill and pressured elected officials in Massachusetts to do the right thing.
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First Amendment Threatened by Arizona Bill
Once again, some politicians are attempting to take away our First Amendment rights. AZ HB 2660 aims to circumvent the Constitution by penalizing video game developers and blaming them for society's ills. This bill punishes individuals who produce or distribute so called "dangerous" materials, as they define it "anything an accused individual might claim 'drove' them to commit a felony or act of terrorism."
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New Mexico Game Tax Defeated, A Victory for the Game Community
Last week, VGVN members in New Mexico sent letters to their state legislators to denounce the proposed bill that subjected video game purchases to an additional tax. Thanks in part to the swift action of New Mexico members, the New Mexico House Business and Industry Committee rejected the bill on a 9-0 vote.
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The Fight for Video Games Launches Into Facebook - Become a Fan Now!
The Video Game Voters Network (VGVN) is committed to raising awareness of the fight against video game regulation wherever we can. That's why we've launched a Facebook page to help spread the word. If you're already on Facebook, become a fan of our page, and then you can help spread the word about the fight to your friends on Facebook - show AND share support now!
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Wall of Protest Launches - Be A Part of the Picture Protest!
We launched the Wall of Protest Against Video Game Regulation, and we've received an enthusiastic response with over 250+ submissions from across the nation, and even contributions from Australia, England, France, and Brazil! Whether displayed in game, in real life, or as cartoons, the protests raise awareness and display the passion behind this issue both within and outside of the video game community.
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Join the Wall of Protest, Share a Photo
The Network is launching the Wall of Protest to represent the widespread opposition against the government's regulation of video games. Check it out, share a photo, and join the Wall of Protest to make a stand against video game regulation.
Categories: Action,Legislation
Video Games Sales OK in Oklahoma
In another victory for video games, the United States District Court this week once again ruled that video games are protected speech under the First Amendment. Judge Robin Cauthron of the Western District of Oklahoma issued a very strong decision permanently stopping the Oklahoma Violent Video Game Law.
Categories: Game,Legislation
Schwarzenegger Appeals Ruling, CA Members Voice Opposition
After last month's ruling found California's video game bill AB1179 unconstitutional, Governor Schwarzenegger vowed to appeal Judge Whyte's decision. In response, the Network launched a letter-writing campaign for California, and over 800 parents, gamers, and developers across the Golden State wrote the Governor, telling him to focus more on promoting education of the ratings system, rather than regulating video game sales. Unfortunately, Governor Schwarzenegger recently fulfilled his promise and officially appealed the ruling.
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Watch the “Fight for Video Games” Web Trailer
The Video Game Voters Network pays homage to game and movie trailers by bringing you this intentionally overdramatic, over-the-top recruitment trailer to raise awareness among video game enthusiasts of the very serious and constant legislative struggle facing video games.
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Video Games Under Attack in NY, VGVN and Game Developers Fight Back!
Video games are under attack once again from state legislators, this time in New York. The Assembly and Senate are dangerously close to sending an anti-video game bill to the Governor that could charge game clerks with a felony and up to four years of prison for selling "violent" video games to a minor!
Categories: Action,Legislation
Gamers Send Thousands of Letters to Capitol Hill - Can You Send One Now
A recent report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) commended video game self-regulation--recognizing the ESRB ratings as a "useful and important tool" for parents--and we want the House and Senate to know about it. Thousands of VGVN members across the country have already helped the cause by writing a letter and making Capitol Hill aware of this positive report; now we need you to show these politicians that the current system for video games is working, and the government does not need to intrude!
