Warren Spector Calls Gamers to Action on Oct. 19 to 'Protect' the Video Game Industry

Today is a day for fighting back, it seems. Renowned video game designer Warren Spector has issued a call to arms to gamers looking to protect the industry against the upcoming battle it will face at the U.S. Supreme Court.

In a message relayed to us from the Video Game Voters Network--an advocacy group fighting for their First Amendment protection--Spector asked gamers "stand up" for gamers urge their friends and family to join the cause on October 19. Getting involved is easy. Aside from joining the network, Spector urges those willing to post a message on Twitter and Facebook detailing the cause on that date. Details on how you can get involved can be found on the VGVN's "No Censorship" site.

Hopefully the tidal wave of messages on one day will show the rest of the world that this industry isn't to be underestimated. That is if you choose to participate.

You can read Spector's letter after the break.

Dear Friends,

Computer and video games are art, a form of artistic expression deserving of and, currently, protected by the First Amendment.

That hasn't stopped states though from trying to restrict the rights of our medium's artists, storytellers, and technical innovators. On November 2, the Supreme Court will hear arguments on the constitutionality of a California law that would restrict the sale of video games. This is a case of great significance to you and me -- to all people who play or create games and believe in the First Amendment.

Let's not beat around the bush -- if the Court's ruling goes against us, this law could lead to the future censorship of games, could irrevocably harm developers and would validate the absurd notion that video games are somehow a lesser form of creative expression.

We must act now. On October 19, I'm asking you to join me in urging all of your friends and co-workers, real-world or virtual, to stand up for video games by joining the Video Game Voters Network, an advocacy group fighting for their First Amendment protection.

Many people, including some of my personal heroes, like Stan Lee, have already encouraged us to take a stand. Now is the time for gamers to come together and spread the word through our social networks. Now is the time to ask every gamer we can reach to stand up with us and protect our First Amendment rights.

Here's the link: Video Game Voters Network: No Censorship

Thank you for considering this call to action.

-- Warren Spector

You can find the Twitter and Facebook messages, recommended for posting on October 19, at the Video Game Voters Network website.