[URL=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1554477/20070312/index.jhtml]MTV[/URL]

Among the people spreading word of their endeavors at GDC last week was Hal Halpin, head of the Entertainment Consumers Association. His group is designed to give gamers a collective voice, a howl against politicians eager to propose laws that would restrict the sale of video games based on content limitations. Such measures have been struck down by courts across the country over the last couple of years, but Halpin still sees reason for gamers to mobilize, as new initiatives sprout month after month. The ECA is also designed to give gamers perks: hotel discounts, free game magazines, information about game-design schools and so forth. Late last month, the group announced that students will be able to join for a discounted annual membership fee of $14.99. For more information, go to TheECA.com.