The New Entertainment Consumers Association Finds Support from Leading Companies in the Interactive Entertainment Space and Beyond
Wilton, Connecticut (December 12, 2006) – The Entertainment Consumers Association (ECA), a newly formed web-based consumer advocacy organization, today announced their launch partners – companies which are strategic supporters of the organization and have committed to working with the ECA to further the mission.
The ECA is designed to be an advocate for the interactive entertainment consumers and the new strategic partners have aligned themselves with the organization in support of that mission. The sponsors presently include: 1UP Network – including EGM, OPM, GFW, File Front, Game Videos, MyCheats, The 1up Show and GameTab, Chase Manhattan Bank, GameJobs, GamePolitics, Gamers – the Movie, GameFly, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Ignited Minds, Intec, NCsoft, LFP – including Tips & Tricks Magazine, One PR, Yahoo! Games, The Themis Group – including The Escapist and WarCry Network, Video Games Live, and Ziff Davis Media – including Electronic Gaming Monthly, Official PlayStation Magazine, Games for Windows Magazine.
“Each partnership represents a new opportunity for our members such as discounts on game rentals, magazine subscriptions, premium website access or even discounts on hotel and resort stays,” said ECA president Hal Halpin.
The association did not solicit any outside corporation for funding in any way, shape or form, but rather took the approach of straight-forward barter agreements so as to provide a path of least resistance for companies looking to work with the new organization: Trade shows, conferences and events would therefore be able to provide free or discounted admission to ECA members. Media outlets could give members discounts on subscriptions to magazines, newsletters and premium website content. Retailers and rentailers could offer extended free trial periods or discounts on purchases. And the ECA has been working with many more companies not listed while the businesses work out legal and logistical challenges.
“The games industry companies – be they publishers, developers, retailers or endemic media – have all been saying for decades that they are committed to gamers; that they want to do what’s in their best interests as customers, care about their concerns and are supportive of their needs. I’m very proud to report that these early partners were among those who, quite simply, didn’t hesitate in delivering on that promise. They are the leaders in their market sector, and I don’t believe it coincidental that they were the first to want to help empower gamers.”
Over the coming months ECA members will be receiving many of the benefits of membership mentioned above and a host of additional services which are currently in-process.
For more information, or to sign up for ECA membership, please visit www.theeca.com.
About the ECA
Formed in 2006, the Entertainment Consumers Association (ECA) is a 501(c)(4) non-profit membership organization established to serve the evolving needs of individuals who play computer and video games by giving their passion a voice. The ECA serves as an advocacy organization for the interactive entertainment consumers who represent nearly fifty percent of the population, have an average age of 33, and spend $10 billion a year on gaming. The ECA mission is to give gamers a voice and ensure that state and local politicians hear their concerns and appreciate their demographic power. The Connecticut-based organization focuses its advocacy efforts on consumer rights, anti-games legislation, and other public policy concerns as well as providing substantial community, educational, and affinity benefits to its members—from discounts on subscriptions and game rentals and purchases to education, employment assistance, and insider access to industry partners.
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