Report: Lowenstein To Quit ESA

Doug Lowenstein, current president of the Electronic Software Association (ESA), is to quit his post early next year, according to a new report by consumer website GameSpot. No public announcement has yet been made, with no mention of the departure on the organization’s website, but the GameSpot article, authored by knowledgable veteran Curt Feldman and appearing after an earlier report on the Kotaku website, suggests that ESA members were told of the news last week. No reasons for the move have yet been suggested, although rumors have already suggested that Lowenstein will be moving to a new trade organization for investment community firms. Lowenstein was the founder of ESA forerunner the Interactive Digital Software Association (IDSA) in 1994 and was later involved in the creation of the ESA supported Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB). In that time he has become the most prominent face of the video games industry on Capitol Hill. The departure of Lowenstein follows that of ESA event organizer and vice president Mary Dolaher, following the surprise announcement to downsize the annual E3 expo in Los Angeles next year. Whether this controversial move has played any part in Lowenstein’s decision will not be made clear until an official announcement is made.