THE UK GAMES INDUSTRY IS IN SESSION

Friday 15 April 2005/... ELSPA (Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association) today confirmed the appointment of political affairs expert PSA public affairs to aid with its UK government and parliamentary lobbying.

PSA public affairs will work with ELSPA's lead agency Barrington Harvey and will handle public affairs strategies around key issues to the industry such as age rating, codes of practise, piracy and education along with communicating the essential contribution the games industry makes to the UK economy.

Roger Bennett, director general of ELSPA commented: "Following the events of last year it became apparent that an industry of our size and scale required on-site representation in the corridors of power. PSA has a wealth of experience and specialist knowledge which will prove invaluable for ELSPA's future lobbying."

Phillip Snape, director of PSA stated: "We look forward to working with ELSPA to increase the influence of software games publishers within both government and the wider political stakeholder base."

The UK is the world's third largest market for video and computer games, generating over £2.2 billion in sales of software and hardware in 2004. It is also a positive contribution to UK Plc, with a net balance of trade contribution of £280 million last year.

For further information please contact:

ELSPA

SIMON HARVEY

BARRINGTON HARVEY

Tel: 01462 456780

Fax: 01462 456781

Email: simon.harvey@bhpr.co.uk

PSA public affairs

PHILIP SNAPE

PSA PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Tel: 0207 7907008

Email: phllip.snape@psauk.com

EDITORS NOTES

About ELSPA - http://www.elspa.com

ELSPA (The Entertainment & Leisure Software Publishers Association) was founded in 1989 to establish a specific and collective identity for the computer and video games industry. Membership includes almost all companies concerned with the publishing and distribution of interactive leisure software in the UK.

ELSPA's activities include: Official Chart and Industry Reports, Anti-Piracy UK and EU, PR and Communication, Events. More information on all these activities can be found at http://www.elspa.com.

About PSA public affairs - http://www.psauk.com

PSA is a communications consultancy which specialises in giving high level advice to organisations with big issues and limited budgets e.g. large charities, trade associations and medium sized companies etc.

Issued by: Barrington Harvey, Trooper's Yard, Bancroft, Hitchin SG5 1J