The vice president of Electronic Arts' Jeff Brown said some pretty strong words regarding Activision and Vivendi's decision to leave the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). He also reaffirmed EA's loyalty to the ESA and said that this year's E3 will most likely be successful. To find out more, head on over to the full article.

The recent Byron report released in Europe gave the different classification groups in the region something to think about. Despite advocating a medium between both the BBFC and PEGI rating systems, ELSPA had its own opinion regarding the matter by favoring the PEGI Age Rating System as the sole classification system for video games in Europe. Find out the reason behind this by reading our full article after the jump.

The Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA) and some of its partners recently conducted a raid which yielded illegally copied Nintendo DS games stored on discs. Meanwhile, ELSPA's crime unit head, John Hillier, wants to remind gamers (whatever console you may own) the detestable effects of piracy on the whole industry. For more on this raid, head on over to the full article for more information.

Sony Computer Entertainment UK managing Director Ray Maguire was at the recently-held ELSPA press conference and he had a few things to say about the now popular Byron Report. The boss commented that the report's recommendations are valid today, but when the time comes that brick-and-mortar retailers take a back seat to online stores, things will be done differently to enforce the rating system. More in the full article up next.

In her efforts to make the public aware of video game content and classification ratings, Dr. Tanya Byron had a few things to say about how critics should be in the scene. The psychologist and author of Byron Review believes the industry should be talking to increase awareness of game content. For more details, head on over to the full article.

The recent review released by Dr. Tanya Byron regarding the rating standards of violent video games in Europe was met with a most positive response from the different media classification groups in the region. The BBFC, ELSPA, ISFE, and Tiga each gave their own statements, generally agreeing with the suggestions given in the comprehensive document released by the British psychologist. More on this in our full article.

The Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association or ELSPA has been very active recently when it comes to raiding locations suspected of housing illegal video games-related activities.

QJ.NET just received a press release informing us about the most recent one. And what they found was a treasure trove, quite literally. See the complete details by clicking the "read more" link below.

The UK's Chart Track has just announced last year's sales figures for consoles and games. And while 2007 celebrates a sharp rise on figures for all the consoles, a considerable chunk of the profit pie goes to handheld systems. More details in the full article.

Take-Two Interactive recently celebrated a successful appeal to the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) to give Manhunt 2 a rating in order to be released in the UK. However things aren't over yet as the BBFC warns that it will take the case to High Court if they find anything unlawful in the proceedings of the Video Appeals Committee. The BBFC is still waiting for the report of the proceedings. More in the full article.

The Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA) sent in a press release informing QJ.NET about a successful court battle against businessman Neil Stanley Higgs known online as "Mr. Modchips".

He was charged in UK for distributing and selling the "illegal technology" that enables gamers play backup DVD and CD copies. The decision was granted a couple of days ago and charged Higgs of three counts of advertising, supplying, and selling modchips.

Aside from that, the businessman was also found guilty of 12 counts of possessing 19 chipped games consoles as well as 11 counts of possessing Executor and Viper GC modchips. Higgs argued that all the possessions in question found during one of ELSPA's investigations were owned by family members and friends.

Unfortunately for him, Judge Carole Hagen didn't believe his defense. Reports said that since starting business in 2002, Higgins has accumulated a total of one million GBP (US$ 2.05 million) in revenue. ELSPA Managing Director Michael Rawlinson said:

This case today sets a major precedent which marks a milestone in the fight against piracy, protecting the games industry's investment in fantastic games. It sends a clear message to anyone tempted to become involved in "chipping" consoles that this is a criminal offence and will be dealt in the strongest possible way.

Neil Stanley Higgs' attorneys filed for an appeal which the judge granted.