ESA spent $4.2 million lobbying in 2008
What bad economy? Gamasutra reports that the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) spent a whopping $4.2 million dollars on lobbying the federal government over the course of 2008. The organization split its time lobbying on multiple issues last year, including those surrounding patents, governing online gaming and dealing with pesky pirates, as well as fighting bills aimed at keeping M-rated games out of the hands of kids.
Overall, the ESA's spending grew more than 25% from the previous year. In fact, in the fourth quarter alone, the group reportedly spent more than $1.1 million on these efforts, a $10,000 increase over the previous quarter. Good to know at least someone in the game industry still has money to throw around.
