The Entertainment Software Association, otherwise known as the ESA, has urged the Trump administration to open a dialogue regarding the tariffs imposed on foreign imports. Considering that a significant portion of gaming hardware comes to the USA from foreign countries, the ESA is concerned about the rising costs for consumers.
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The ESA is a lobby group that represents some of the biggest players in the video games industry, including the likes of Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo. The group is concerned that a large portion of the video game audience in the USA will be adversely affected by rising costs to counter the tariffs that the Trump administration has introduced.
The ESA Is Concerned About Import Tariffs
“Tariffs on video game devices and related products would impact Americans of all ages across the country,” the ESA said in a statement to Kotaku. “We urge the administration to consult with the private sector in a transparent process to avoid causing significant harm to everyday Americans and to one of the fastest growing entertainment sectors in the United States.”
President Trump’s new policy will see goods imported from Mexico and Canada get levied with 25 percent tariffs, however, those have been paused for now. Goods from China will see ten percent tariffs.
In a statement to VGC, the ESA said, “Video games are one of the most popular and beloved forms of entertainment for Americans of all ages. Tariffs on video game devices and related products would negatively impact hundreds of millions of Americans and would harm the industry’s significant contributions to the US economy. We look forward to working with the Administration and Congress to find ways to sustain the economic growth supported by our sector.”
Considering how many components are required and imported to assemble any piece of modern entertainment technology, these tariffs would result in a significant price rise for the video game industry and, eventually, the consumers. Gaming is already an expensive hobby, and the ESA seems to be urging the administration not to make it even more so.
With some analysts predicting that GTA 6 may cost $100 and cause other publishers to follow suit, video games are already getting expensive as it is.
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