Donald Trump's tariffs could make gaming more expensive, says ESA

American President Donald Trump has recently announced new tariffs on all nations, setting the minimum at 10%. This has sparked outrage among many world leaders, with some calling it a major blow to international trade. Now, the tariff war appears to have reached the gaming industry.

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Trump's tariffs will hit gaming industry

Aubrey Quinn from ESA (Entertainment Software Association) is concerned about the ongoing trade war between the United States and the rest of the world. She believes that the ongoing trade war could make gaming more expensive, which would lead to a massive blow to the industry’s survival and growth.

People play games as a hobby, and if it becomes more expensive over time, they may shift their interest to something else. This too, could create an impact the gaming industry. The trade war is already reflecting on Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order delays, as many retailers are preparing for game price hikes.

Many Experts believe that this not only hikes the physical game prices but also impacts gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch 2, which is due for release. The ESA has clearly mentioned that their goal is to collaborate with the administration and find solutions that don't harm the United States industries, businesses and people, including gamers. If gaming prices increase, then big gaming companies' revenue will fall, and it will lead to job cuts and economic downfall. The long-term impact will be on research and the development money spent on future gaming consoles and AI gaming.

Many gaming consoles like XBOX, Playstation and Nintendo see their future in AI and digital technology. If the tariffs affect physical gaming, then the next generation console, like PS6, might abandon physical. Trump's current administration people are mostly new and young, so ESA is aiming to build a relationship with them and work with them for the welfare of the Gaming industry. 

Most of the american gaming companies like EA, Rockstar games, and Capcom source and manufacture goods outside the US. ESA also requested that if gamers are concerned about games becoming expensive, they should call out their elected officials regarding the issue.

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