MARCH 30, 2009 • At a recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) conference, the Entertainment Consumers Association (ECA) made a number of recommendations regarding retail video game packaging. The first recommendation was for disclosure of what kind digital rights management (DRM) is included, and how invasive that DRM will be. The other suggestion was for all video game EULAs be standardized.

Impact: Standardization of DRM solutions would be a win-win for both consumers and the game industry. With rampant piracy, DRM is essential to protect intellectual property. However, cumbersome DRM solutions are an easy way to turn off legitimate consumers. Making consumers aware of the type of DRM is a first step toward building mass market acceptance.