The ECA Institute (ECAi) Unveils Gamers for Health Program

New Work Group Focuses Efforts on the Benefits of Healthy Gaming

WILTON, Conn., Jan. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- You game? Get fit! The Entertainment Consumers Association's ECA Institute (ECAi) today announced the formation of a new work group titled Gamers for Health. Gamers for Health will provide ECA members and the gaming community with the tools and resources necessary to help incorporate gaming activities into healthy lifestyles. Launching today, the industry's new destination for healthy gaming invites gamers everywhere to join the various programs, learn more about this important cause and get fit by gaming!

"To help promote the benefits of healthy gaming, our goal was to create a space for video game consumers to learn more about health and fitness, the expanding exergaming genre, and to provide the tools necessary to take action," said Jennifer Mercurio, ECA Vice President & General Counsel. "With Gamers for Health, we're creating a community of support and incentive, which is why some of us here at the ECA have already begun this program, and we'll be offering incentives for members along the way. We all know the importance of leading a healthy and active lifestyle, and video games can help us achieve our goals."

In addition to the numerous resources provided, Gamers for Health lets members create their own profile, list what games and platforms they will use, and then share their healthy gaming goals and achievements through various blog entries and picture/video uploads. Several ECA staffers have already started their programs and are encouraging others to join in the fun.

To learn more about Gamers for Health and to participate in the get fit by gaming program, go to: http://www.ecainstitute.org/content/gamers-health. For more information on the ECA and to learn how to become a member: www.theECA.com.

About the ECAi

Started by the ECA in 2009, the ECAi is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization established to fulfill requests of its members, the public sector, and others regarding policy, research, education, and programming for the general public. Its mission is to inform the development of ECA's public policy positions and to contribute to and influence public debate on issues of importance to video game players. Activities of the ECAi include gaming research and polling, report publication, technical assistance and expert consultation, scholarship and educational programs, and public representation for issues related to gamers and gaming. For more information, please visit www.ecainstitute.org.

About The ECA

The ECA is the non-profit membership organization which represents consumers of interactive entertainment in the US and Canada. The association was founded to give gamers a collective voice with which to communicate their concerns, address their issues and focus their advocacy efforts. As such, the ECA is committed to a host of public policy efforts, empowering and enabling the membership to effect change. Additionally, the organization provides members substantial affinity benefits including discounts on games-related purchases and rentals, as well as community and educational initiatives. For additional information on the ECA, including affinity benefits, member discounts and joining the association, please visit: www.theECA.com

SOURCE Entertainment Consumers Association