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Video Game Industry Reaches Boss Level

Industry chiefs aim to get more of a say in Washington

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 14, 2008 10:14 PM CST

(Newser) – The video game industry has grown up and is going to start putting some quarters into Washington, the New York Times reports. Game makers have formed their first political action committee and will soon start making campaign donations to candidates, in hopes of steering more of them to the industry's side and head off attempts to further regulate their products.

Politicians used to find the industry an easy target, but are waking up to the fact that gaming has become a lot more mainstream and plenty of players are old enough to vote. The Nintendo Wii, in particular, has succeeded in attracting more women and older people to gaming, and even congressmen couldn't wait to try it out at a recent Washington reception for the industry.

Politicians are waking up to the fact that video games are no longer just for teenage boys. The average age of gamers is now thought to be around 30. (AP Photo/Eckehard Schulz) (Associated Press)

In this photo provided by DC Smackdown LLC, the computer screen shows the game called "DC Smackdown" animated characters portraying Rudy Giuliani and John McCain prepare for a battle, as Jane Fonda watches... (Associated Press)

In this photo provided by DC Smackdown LLC, the computer screen at the office of Dave Holbrook shows the game called "DC Smackdown" as animated characters portraying Hillary Clinton and John Edwards prepare... (Associated Press)

Video game fan Robert Overson, 31 from Highland, CA challenges his son Mathew, 10 to a Wii Sports tennis match game at the E for All Expo on Thurs., Oct. 18, 2007 in Los Angeles, CA. The Wii is credited... (Associated Press)

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Video Game Industry Reaches Boss Level

Industry chiefs aim to get more of a say in Washington

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More Newser Stories

Gingrich's Freddie Mac Contract Released

Newt reported to a top lobbyist in one-year, $300K deal

Non-Lobbyist Newt Gingrich Acted a Lot Like a Lobbyist

Ex-speaker hawked clients' products, arranged meetings

Freddie Mac Paid Gingrich $1.6M

But only for his 'strategic advice'

Thousands Ditch Congress for Lobbying Firms: Study

Study says almost 5,400 have jumped ship in past decade

Sorry, USA: No Wii Spanking Game for You

'We Dare' implies orgies will ensue, but it won't be released in America

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Video Game Industry Reaches Boss Level

Industry chiefs aim to get more of a say in Washington

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Nintendo Wii • Washington • lobbying • campaign contributions • lobbyists • video games

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Gingrich's Freddie Mac Contract Released

Newt reported to a top lobbyist in one-year, $300K deal

Non-Lobbyist Newt Gingrich Acted a Lot Like a Lobbyist

Ex-speaker hawked clients' products, arranged meetings

Freddie Mac Paid Gingrich $1.6M

But only for his 'strategic advice'

Thousands Ditch Congress for Lobbying Firms: Study

Study says almost 5,400 have jumped ship in past decade

Sorry, USA: No Wii Spanking Game for You

'We Dare' implies orgies will ensue, but it won't be released in America

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