The ESA has voiced its strong support for the Protect IP Act (PIPA) and Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA). But with many of the ESA’s members speaking out in opposition of the proposed legislation, the entity has continued to push for the passing of the two bills.

Firefall developer Red 5 Studios recently stepped forward with an alternative option for developers and gamers that oppose the ESA’s stance on SOPA and PIPA with the League For Gamers. The organization was founded by Red 5 Studios and its CEO Mark Kern through a $50,000 pledge.

Red 5 Studios joins websites such as Wikipedia, Reddit and dozens of others today in unison to blackout its service in opposition of the bills. A visit to the Firefall website today will reveal a message from Red 5 about the two pieces of legislation along with the video message calling on developers and media to withdraw their support for the ESA and their E3 event until they change their stance on SOPA and PIPA. Check out the video embed and press release after the break for more.

RED 5 STUDIOS LAUNCHES NEW DEVELOPER AND GAMER NON-PROFIT, LEAGUE FOR GAMERS, IN PROTEST OF ANTI-INDUSTRY LEGISLATION

New Organization Advocates for Developers’ and Gamers’ Rights and Fostering the Gaming Hobby

Laguna Hills, CA – January 17, 2012 – Red 5 Studios™ today announced the League For Gamers (LFG), an organization with the lifelong mission of promoting games in a positive way, spreading the passion of gaming and protecting gaming interests in politics. Red 5 will shut down Firefall and its website on January 18th in a 24 hour show of solidarity, encouraging gamers, developers and all industry supporters to join LFG and stand together against misguided and overbearing legislative initiatives such as SOPA, (Stop Online Privacy Act), and PIPA, (Protect IP), in order to perpetuate and continue industry growth.

The League For Gamers was founded on January 14, 2012 by Red 5 Studios and its CEO, Mark Kern, through a $50,000 pledge. It was established as a true alternative to the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) and its subsidiary organization, the Video Game Voter’s Network (VGVN).

“The VGVN and the ESA claim to represent gamers and developers, but they have turned their backs on them by supporting and funding legislation such as SOPA and PIPA,” said Mark Kern. “Developers such as Red 5 Studios and other game makers no longer have an organization to represent their true position on this kind of destructive legislation. LFG’s first action will be to petition the ESA to withdraw their support from PIPA, which still looms large in the Senate.”

While it was announced on Monday that SOPA has been “shelved” – for the time being – its sister bill PIPA is still an immediate threat to the gaming industry and online freedom. The Senate is scheduled to vote on PIPA January 24th, leaving one week for gamers and developers to add their support and get the attention of representatives. Interested parties can join LFG and its ESA petition at the following link: http://www.leagueforgamers.org/2012/01/17/help-lfg-join-now/

About League For Gamers

LFG is a gathering place for gamers, developers and industry supporters who want to stand against legislation that is detrimental to the games industry. Because individuals often lack the lobbying power and necessary funds to properly represent in Washington, organizations like LFG offer a support group where they can openly voice concerns and opinions about legislation that directly affects their lives. For more information about LFG and to join the fight to save online gaming freedom, visit http://www.leagueforgamers.org/.

About Red 5 Studios

Red 5 Studios is an online game developer located in California, founded by Mark Kern, former team lead for World of Warcraft. Red 5 Studios is dedicated to bringing together millions of gamers across the world by creating immersive worlds, intriguing stories and compelling characters. They believe that online games and persistent worlds are the future of video games. Visit www.firefallthegame.com for more information.

Firefall, Red 5 Studios and all associated logos and designs are trademarks or registered trademarks of Red 5 Studios, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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