REDMOND, Wash., July 31, 1996 — Microsoft Corp. today announced it will join the Interactive Digital Software Association (IDSA), becoming a charter member of the organization’s board of directors. In joining the IDSA board, the company’s interactive media division (IMD) will embrace the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) rating system for all IMD CD-based products to be rated.
The IMD will use ESRB ratings on CD-based game products starting with its 1996 holiday-season lineup. Ratings may also be added as appropriate for the IMD’s other CD-based products. Kids and information products are also developed by the division.
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We have seen the IDSA take real leadership in the interactive media industry with its creation of the enormously successful and valuable E 3 show, its strong entertainment software antipiracy program, and its creation of the widely supported ESRB system,”
said Patty Stonesifer, senior vice president and head of the IMD at Microsoft.
“Retailers, consumers and legislators alike have also shown confidence in the ESRB system, and we can think of no better endorsements.”
“This is not to say that the industry’s work is done,”
she added.
“Microsoft has seen excellent work from the Recreational Software Advisory Council’s ratings for online products, and we intend to work from our IDSA board position to bring about cooperation between the two industry ratings boards. We see a way for everyone to be a winner, and we intend to work with other board members to advance this issue, which Microsoft believes is important.”
“We are delighted that Microsoft, a leader and growing force in the interactive entertainment and leisure-time software industry, has agreed to join the IDSA,”
said Douglas Lowenstein, president of the Interactive Digital Software Association.
“We look forward to having Microsoft join our board and to working with the company as we continue to build our programs.”
The IDSA is the only organization serving the business and public affairs needs of interactive entertainment and leisure-time software publishers. Formed in April 1994, the IDSA represents publishers of all sizes and for all platforms and has emerged as the voice and advocate for this industry.
The Entertainment Software Rating Board is the country’s pre-eminent entertainment software rating system for titles across all platforms, having rated over 2,100 titles submitted by more than 155 of the industry’s leading publishers.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
Microsoft is either a registered trademark or a trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
