Games are in danger! The Schwarzenegger v. EMA case concerning the classification of video games as a first amendment protected form of free speech is under review by the Supreme Court. This is a massive turning point for video games and simulation. Games have come a long way since their inception and have the potential to trump all other entertainment mediums in terms of immersion, entertainment, blurring the lines between game and simulation by providing realistic experiences, education, in addition to the ability for artists such as graphic designers, writers, and composers to tell a story together in ways the world only dreamed of before video games' rise to where they are now.

It is imperative now that we all support the movement to gain the Supreme Court's agreement with the findings of this famous games case and retain the first amendment rights for the hard working individuals and corporations that bring us the amazing games we love. This allows video games to enjoy the freedoms of expression that any entertainment medium needs in order to prosper such as film, television, theater, and literature. Without these natural freedoms video games will be treated the way guns are by our government and the regulation and banning of games will cripple the entire medium as we know it.

Luckily, there is an easy way you can support your right to game under these guaranteed first amendment rights. Read on for why you should and why it matters. Please take the time out of your busy schedule to sign the official petition from the Entertainment Consumers Association which has made strong efforts to preserve our constitutional rights during this event.

The fact is video games are art. Some milestones that signify the growth in this belief include the International Movie Database now showing trailers for games in response to Roger Ebert's latest anti-gaming rant. One man spoke out and said "video games are not art" and the world is still yelling back "YES THEY ARE!" but we need to support this cause now before it is too late and solidify the entertainment medium we all love so much. Think about the future of gaming, do you want some politician to decide what is best for you and your children to be experiencing? I know I don't want anything like that.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is a man who made his riches and fame from violent movies such as The Terminator to even less artistic films that we need not mention. All of his movies have one thing in common; they are all protected by the first amendment. If this case goes Arnold's way, movies would continue to enjoy these rights while video games will not. The well known ESRB system is already in place and law in the gaming realm via retail policies nationwide and keeps violent/inappropriate games out of well-parented kids' hands. Just as with movies there will always be the rascals who gain access anyway, but a court decision to refuse first amendment rights to video games will not solve that problem.

Here's what you need to do, sign this petition from the Entertainment Consumers Association now agreeing that games are a protected free speech. You owe it to yourselves, the people who brought you any game you ever enjoyed, and the future of free knowledge and entertainment.