ESA Collects $280,000 In Fees From California Over Anti-Game Law

A failed anti-game law means the State of California now has to pony up $282,794 to the Entertainment Software Association for attorneys' fees. Under the California law, which was ruled unconstitutional and overturned in August 2007, customers purchasing Mature-rated games would be required to show ID; retailers who either did not check for ID or did not show the labels would be liable for a $1,000 fine. The ESA said Judge Ronald M. Whyte ruled in favor of the ESA's Motion for Summary Judgment, and according to the ESA, acknowledged that video games are protected by the First Amendment. In September, the ESA filed a motion to recover a total of $324,840 in fees, of which it received somewhat less in the final judgment. The Judge also found there was no evidence that playing violent games results in real world violence, though the State of California will appeal the decision, the ESA said. ESA CEO Michael Gallagher said, "California deserves more from its legislators than pursuing flawed legislation. State employees are facing pay cuts. California’s services are being scaled back. And, anxiety is rising in Sacramento to find funds." “Rather than tackling real problems affecting Californians, they chose to waste time, money and state resources. It is shameful that legislators pursued personal agendas in spite of the facts.”