Village Gamer

The Entertainment Software Association of Canada (ESAC) supports the Federal government’s reform of copyright and welcomes the passage of Bill C-11, the Copyright Modernization Act. Having a modern and effective copyright protection regime is critical for the continued development of Canada’s digital-based industries.

“We’re happy the federal government has moved forward on comprehensive reform of Canada’s copyright regime,” said Jason Kee, ESAC’s Director, Policy and Legal Affairs. “We encourage the swift implementation of the bill to help curb the ongoing problem of piracy, which distorts markets and results in a weakening of content-producing companies like those in Canada’s video game industry,” he continued.

“We are in the midst of a fundamental change in the way we consume digital entertainment, and creators increasingly use online platforms and other innovative distribution methods to deliver their content. Strong measures such as those contained in the Bill are essential, not only to prevent piracy and allow creators to determine how their works will be used, but also to ensure the new platforms are secure and maintain the integrity of the nascent digital marketplace,” said Mr. Kee.

ESAC is the voice of the Canadian computer and video game industry that employs approximately 16,000 people at nearly 350 companies across the country. By contributing $1.7 billion in economic activity and cultivating workers with a combination of creative, technological and management skills, the video game industry is supporting Canada’s position in the changing global economy.

This dynamic and growing industry is currently the world’s third largest and holds first place on a per capita basis based on employment levels in other countries. ESAC works on behalf of its members to ensure the legal and regulatory environment is favourable for the long-term development of Canada’s video game industry.

Association members include the nation’s leading interactive software developers and publishers including Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, Activision Blizzard, Microsoft Canada, Nintendo of Canada, Sony Computer Entertainment, Disney Interactive Studios, THQ, Take Two Interactive, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Ludia and Silicon Knights, as well as distributors Solutions 2 Go and Team One Marketing.