By Jon Scarr
The Entertainment Software Association of Canada (ESAC) took part in video game policy discussions in Brussels and Geneva from October 13 to 16, 2026. The events covered European regulation, intellectual property and gaming's relationship with international organizations.
Josh Logue, ESAC's Director of Policy and Government Relations, attended a handbook launch in Brussels before joining a Global Video Game Coalition (GVGC) delegation in Geneva. He also reported meetings with diplomatic missions and the World Health Organization (WHO) in a LinkedIn account of the visit.
EU Video Games Law Handbook Launches in Brussels
On October 13, More Than Just a Game and Video Games Europe hosted the launch of EU Video Games Law: A Handbook in Brussels. Its 41 chapters examine EU laws already covering the video game industry.
The gathering brought together policymakers, legal professionals and industry representatives. Sessions looked at video game law from the perspective of companies' legal teams and the effect of regulation on European competitiveness. Organizers also raised whether simplifying existing rules could help businesses.
For Canadian studios and publishers selling games in Europe, those conversations are relevant too. They still need to account for EU rules when operating in that market.
ESAC Joins Global Video Game Coalition Meetings in Geneva
Logue represented ESAC with the GVGC delegation in Geneva from October 14 to 16. The trip was part of the coalition's engagement with international organizations and diplomatic missions.
ESAC has been part of the coalition from the start. It was one of seven founding trade associations when the GVGC launched in November 2022. The other founding groups represented the US, Germany, Australia, Europe, South Korea and the UK.
The coalition focuses on gaming and well-being. Its stated goals include discussing the benefits of video games with public health policymakers and encouraging responsible play.
WIPO Explores Video Game IP and UN Collaboration
On October 16, Logue also attended Pathfinders: The Futures of Video Games and Intellectual Property. The conference was hosted by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), a United Nations agency concerned with intellectual property.
The conference programme included a session on protecting creative work amid challenges involving digital distribution and artificial intelligence. Another focused on opportunities for independent developers and newer studios.
The programme also included a panel about games as tools for education, awareness and social impact. GVGC spokesperson Tatjana Sachse and WHO representative Andy Pattison were listed alongside speakers from UNICEF, the UN World Food Programme and Games for Change.
The Brussels and Geneva visits brought Canadian representation to conversations about regulation, creative rights and public health. Logue described their value as "ensuring Canada’s video game industry has a voice in global policy discussions."
Jon Scarr
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