Doug Lowenstein, president of the Entertainment Software Association, spoke on the past twelve years with the organization only a few months before he's due to step down. His keynote ranged from nostalgia to some extremely harsh words for the games press, high level execs, controversial content creators and the rank and file soldiers.

In his final public speech as ESA lead, he reflected on the beginnings of the association, with a colorful recounting of the US Senate hearings spawned from then controversial violent video games Night Trap and Mortal Kombat.

Doug recalls, "Howard Lincoln, representing Nintendo, and Bill White, representing Sega, were testifying about the emergence of some of these, at the time, more violent video games. Howard was talking about how Nintendo was the socially responsible company, that in their version of Mortal Kombat there was no blood, and they were taking the high road. As he's going through his remarks, from below his seat Bill White lifts up and holds up for everyone to see a big red gun peripheral from a Nintendo system."

Then, "Suddenly you have this explosion of multimedia effects inside the senate room. The senators are delighted, but people outside the room are mortified. We came together and tried to create something that would represent this industry in some meaningful way. It was a rather inauspicious start."

Lowenstein went on to praise the work the ESA by saying that "Perceptions about this industry are very different from how they were 12 years ago. It was a backwater, a stepchild. It had no presence at all." Later saying, "This industry is taken more seriously than it ever has been before."

On first amendment rights and protected speech, Lowenstein illustrated his passion for his work, saying "This first amendment stuff is where the rubber hits the road. In my view there has been nothing more important that the ESA has done than putting its money and resources out there to defend your artistic freedom. And sometimes that's not easy. Plenty of things are put out as art that don't necessarily ennoble the culture, but they're protected. We made a decision at the ESA that we're going to defend constitutional freedoms no matter what. And I think we've done that, and we'll continue to do that."

Then adding, "The genius and the talent is still scratching the surface."

He also highlighted the important research work the organization was responsible for, data that is change mass perception, saying that "When people begin to understand how ubiquitous this industry has become, it changes their attitude." He also took time to make note of the ESA's anti-piracy work, spotlighting one unnamed employee who travels three weeks a month to train customs officers and law enforcement officials on cracking down on pirated games. Just for clarity's sake, Lowenstein reveals "He's not going to Maui. He's going to the least interesting places in the world. It shows incredible dedication."

Lowenstein has less kind words for many in the industry, what he referred to as his "pet peeves."

First up for a reaming?

"Publishers and developers who make controversial content then cut and run when it comes to defending their creative decisions. If you want to push the envelope, fine, but get out there and be responsible for it. Don't duck and cover when the shit hits the fan."

Next?

"The boss level chattering class. The Greek chorus who always think there's a better way to do something. It's very easy to pontificate why the ESA doesn't do something right. Then you look and... where are these people? Are they fighting the fight? Are they meeting with their senators? Are they making political contributions? I'm sick and tired of people in this industry complaining then sitting on their hands."

He then moved on to another target asking the gathered crowd "How many of you have signed up for the Video Game Voters Group?" A meager display of raised hands.

"That's pathetic. It makes me sick. What is the problem? You cannot expect this industry to grow if you continue to pass the buck. We're good, but we can't win the war without an army. Most of the people who have the most at stake are too lazy. If you want to be taken seriously as an industry you have to be able to ask yourself what you're willing to do. In the end we won't have enough soldiers to succeed."

Lowenstein also had some harsh words for the enthusiast press.

"I'm also annoyed with the game media. I think there's a lot of maturity that needs to happen with the game press. I think the game industry press needs a higher level of maturity and seriousness. Great other forms of media have powerful forms of critical components. The game industry press has the ability to push this industry to greater heights of success. People in the industry care more about what the game press say more than what I would ever say. I don't think the games press has asked enough of itself."

"In the last six months, I cant tell you how many ridiculous rumors I've read. I've heard people say that I'm leaving the ESA because I'm upset with what happened with the E3 decision. This stuff is stupid and it's wrong. It's lazy reporting. I think the game industry press is capable of much better."

"You know who gives Jack Thompson more press than anyone else? The games press legitimizes Jack Thompson. Everyone gets so upset that Jack Thompson has so much ability." Becoming visibly flustered, he ends with, "I just think it's nuts."

He also blasted gaming press outlets for ignoring the games as learning tool "Game industry press never write about this."

But Lowenstein let internet gossip queens and the gaming masses sum up the end of his career. Some select comments from the internets on news that Doug was leaving the ESA.

"This is so weird. I had a dream the other night that Lowenstein stepped down and I was the new president. I wish I was joking. My dreams are that stupid."

"The ESA has put a serious face on entertainment, not just keeping the government out of it, but helping to build a serious reputation for an industry previously seen as the kiddie side-kick of movies and music. You may or may not like the monster developers like EA and the mega-blockbuster treatment and pricing of games, but without the ESA, there would be no major investments into our industry and you'd probably be picking between Bubsy 8 and Bonk 12 for your action fix."

"I've never heard of this guy. I doubt most gamers have. Why should anyone care?"

"Who gives a shit? Don't you have real news to report."

Lowenstein ended with, "And that I think sums it up."

Well, Doug, thanks for giving a shit. Michael McWhertor

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