ESA decides SOPA is bad after all

The Entertainment Software Association has withdrawn its support for the troubled SOPA and PIPA legislation in North America.

The trade body issued a statement of support earlier this month, saying that rogue websites restrict demand for legitimate video game products and services, thereby costing jobs” and that "our industry needs effective remedies to address this specific problem”.

However, following weeks of high-profile criticism, and most famously a 24-hour blackout of Wikipedia, SOPA has been taken back to the drawing board.

And as if by magic, the ESA has now decided that it’s not in favour after all.

"From the beginning, ESA has been committed to the passage of balanced legislation to address the illegal theft of intellectual property found on foreign rogue sites,” a statement reads.

Although the need to address this pervasive threat to our industry’s creative investment remains, concerns have been expressed about unintended consequences stemming from the current legislative proposals.”

Now the ESA is urging authorities to not waste any time in getting work on new and improved legislation.

"Accordingly, we call upon Congress, the Obama Administration, and stakeholders to refocus their energies on producing a solution that effectively balances both creative and technology interests.

As an industry of innovators and creators, we understand the importance of both technological innovation and content protection and are committed to working with all parties to encourage a balanced solution."