COVID-19 – Industry Response

The Entertainment Software Association of Canada and our member companies remain committed to supporting our stakeholders as we adapt to the reopening of the economy and consistent social distancing practices in order to curb the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As video game creators and enthusiasts, we believe play is a profound part of the human experience and connects people and communities in important ways. Canadian gamers are using video games to socialize, stay connected, and to relax; we are encouraged by this and heartened by the power of play.

Here are resources, updates and more about how the video game industry is responding.

Global Resources

Reliable, up-to-date information on the current COVID-19 outbreak can be found at:

How to Help

Help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by following public health advice:

  • Practise social distancing.
  • Practise proper hand hygiene.
  • Wear masks or face coverings.

For an in-depth list of measures you can take to reduce the spread of COVID-19, visit Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Prevention and risks.

You can also show your support by:

 

Resources

  • ESRB – for more on video game ratings and resources for parents

Healthy Video Game Play Resources for Parents

Kids can use games as a means to stay in touch with friends during these uncertain times.

A message from ESRB President Patricia Vance:

As many of us find ourselves under orders to “stay-at-home” to help stem the coronavirus pandemic, playing video games can be a great way for families to have fun together and for kids to stay connected to their friends. Here are some simple steps that parents can take to make sure their children have a safe and age-appropriate experience.

Choose the Right Games for Your Family

Knowing which games are appropriate for your children is easier than you may think. If your child has asked to play or purchase a specific game, a good first step is to check the rating displayed on the product detail page. Parents can also conduct a search for the ESRB-assigned age and content ratings on esrb.org or our rating search app for iOS and Android by entering the game’s title. With our three-part rating system, you can quickly understand if a game is appropriate for your family. You can also review a game’s Rating Summary, which provides even more detail.

Read more: What Parents Need to Know About Managing their Kids’ Video Games During the Pandemic

INDUSTRY RESPONSE

In addition to amplifying the #PlayApartTogether initiative to spread key messages from the World Health Organization, ESAC members and the video game industry have responded to COVID-19 in the following ways:

Activision Blizzard

Electronic Arts (EA)

Microsoft/Xbox

Nintendo

Sony Interactive Entertainment/PlayStation

Square Enix

Take-Two Interactive

Ubisoft