Representatives of the US congress, Kevin Brady (Texas, Republican) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Florida, Democrat) have announced the Congressional Caucus for Competitiveness in Entertainment Technology (E-Tech Caucus). The rare pro-videogame industry government caucus is comprised of 39 members to work toward sustaining a robust computer and video game industry by educating Members of Congress and the American people on the industry’s economic, educational and social benefits.
”The E-Tech Caucus is about jobs and our competitiveness around the world,” said Rep. Brady. ”This growing industry has generated more than 120,000 jobs in over 34 states and is a major international player as well. It’s time Congress took notice.”
The US Congress couldn’t ignore the approximately $24 billion in revenue the videogame industry drew in 2010, growing 120%. In comparison, the entire U.S. GDP grew by only 16 percent. Today, 67 percent of American households play games, the average player is 34 years old and 40 percent of all players are women.
”The U.S. entertainment software industry is at the forefront of innovation and education, turning what we have thought about video games on its head,” Rep. Wasserman Schultz said.
”At the same time that our children are playing Wii Sports, academic researchers are developing games that explore protein folding, and doctors are using video game simulations to hone their skills. We owe it to our children to explore how these technologies can help America continue to lead the world in innovation.”
According to the Entertainment Software Agency (ESA), ”As the computer and video game industry becomes more and more a part of everyday life, the E-Tech Caucus intends to provide a forum to discuss and formulate innovative solutions to a range of policy challenges that harness the ingenuity and broad reach of the entertainment software industry.”
