ESA, Games Industry in for Big Changes

An anonymous reader writes to mention an EToyChest article with a bit of perspective on the departure of Doug Lowenstein from the Entertainment Software Association. Lowenstein, who helped to kickstart the group, was instrumental in the ESA's grown and continued well-being. Now that he's moved on a new gig, the article points out that the industry is in for some changes in the years ahead. From the article: "Doug Lowenstein, a man that Jack Thompson has likened on separate occasions to such delightful despots as Saddam Hussein and Hitler, has been the advocate de jour for the industry since he signed on in 1994. Refusing to directly engage firebrands like Thompson in televised debates, Mr. Lowenstein has a history of picking and choosing his battles. Where Thompson prefers to argue his position in front of cameras, Mr. Lowenstein fought his battles quietly, but persistently. Under his guidance, the game industry has undergone its biggest transformation; it's now expected to gross in the area of $12 billion worldwide, more than four times the business it was doing when he signed on. While one would hesitate to give Mr. Lowenstein credit for the industry's success, his steady hand has been instrumental in sidestepping many of the media landmines that we've come across on the way. "

Comments

Fils-Aime

[MeanderingMind]

Honestly, I can't agree with the article that he's the man for the job. Reggie's very good at talking trash, pumping up crowds, and being awesome. Basically, he's a good entertainer and businessman. However, these aren't the skills the ESA needs.

The ESA needs someone who is cool, but that's only one of many factors. It needs to be someone new, unaffiliated with any of the big 3, yet someone who can go toe to toe with politicians, the media and write off whackos like Jack Thompson skillfully.

Reggie's an interesting idea, but he's not the man for the job.

postscript

[dreddnott]

Wikipedia claims that Mr. Lowenstein is now "heading up" the newly-formed Private Equity Council.

He seems like a nice guy, but I think he was just along for the ride, especially if what the article says about his non-interventionism is true.

Re:What we need

[ElleyKitten]

Great idea, a speech that achieves nothing positive and only serves to alienate people you are trying to win over. OP provides a clear example of why geeks are seldom successful in the political realm.

Everything he said was factual and needs to be said. In fact, the only reason why it isn't is that games are a lot easier of a subject for politicians (and, well, everyone) than Iraq, than the economy, or any other important issue going on. Other than games, the Democrats basically have a platform of "Bush sucks". They agree that the Iraq war, the economy, insert issue here, is going terribly, they agree that it's Bush's fault, but what do they do about it? They talk about games instead.