The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) urges the Trump administration to collaborate with the private sector to mitigate potential harm to the video game industry resulting from newly implemented import tariffs.
In a statement to IGN, the ESA emphasized the need for dialogue with the private sector to maintain the industry's economic growth. The statement highlighted the widespread popularity of video games and warned that tariffs on gaming devices and related products would negatively impact millions of Americans and harm the industry's substantial contribution to the U.S. economy. The ESA expressed its willingness to work with the administration and Congress to achieve this goal.
The ESA represents major video game companies, including Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Square Enix, Ubisoft, Epic Games, and Electronic Arts.
Although the tariffs currently target Canada, China, and Mexico, President Trump has indicated that tariffs on the European Union are likely. Regarding Britain, he stated that the situation remains to be seen. He characterized the UK as "way out of line" but suggested a potential resolution, while expressing strong disapproval of the European Union's actions.
Industry analysts are assessing the potential impact of these tariffs. On X, MST Financial senior analyst David Gibson stated that the China tariff would likely have minimal effect on the Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S., but tariffs on Vietnam could alter this outcome. He also noted that the PS5 could be more significantly affected, suggesting Sony might increase non-China production to mitigate the issue.
In a recent IGN interview, Super Joost newsletter author Joost van Dreunen discussed the potential impact of tariffs on the price of Nintendo's new console, suggesting that the overall economic climate, including potential tariff effects, could significantly influence consumer demand.
