Company Bio

The Interactive Digital Software Association (IDSA) is a trade organization dedicated to serving the needs of publishers of video games and other interactive software. Products published by IDSA members companies accounted for over 90% of the six billion dollars generated by entertainment software sales in 2000. Special efforts of the IDSA involve the protection of first amendment and intellectual property rights, a global anti-piracy program.

The IDSA also hosts the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), which has evolved to become what many consider to be the industry's most important single annual event. The IDSA also conducts extensive research and regularly reports to constituents with detailed information on retail sales and market trends.

The Interactive Digital Software Association is responsible for founding the Entertainment Software Rating Board, an independent, non-profit organization that classifies software based on the age-appropriateness of its content. Created in September of 1994, the ESRB has developed into the authoritative source for content information and parental guidance in the video game industry. The Board rated over 7,000 games from more than 350 publishers in its first seven years.

In 1998, the IDSA established an annual fund-raising diner for charitable causes, known as "A Nite to Unite -- for Kids." The event raised over $1.3 million for the Children's Welfare League of America. In 1999, the IDSA Foundation was formed, dedicated to supporting charitable programs and organizations that are designed to provide new opportunities to children and teenagers.

In July of 2003, the IDSA announced that it would officially change its name to the Entertainment Software Association, or ESA. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide