In the beginning there was the industry, which gave life to the culture of videogames. From this culture of gaming, spawned a community of users. These users were christened the title “Gamers”. Videogames were abundant and its users were happily entertained. New technology inspired new innovation and for a time video gaming was good. Gamers then invented their own form of entertainment through competitive gaming. For over 4 decades; gaming has given society a constructive activity that has affected the lives of many families throughout its existence. The root of its culture grew deep with in the underground scene. As the industry grew stronger its users were less involved in the decisions of the direction of gaming.

From this, unofficial entities representing gamers were forged. Pockets of gamer groups started to emerge, creating a network of underground communities. Each game genre would have its variation of several communities, ultimately creating a society of gamers. People outside of this culture were unaware of this for over 3 decades.

As the industry grew in terms of its money the media took great interest in the economically phenomenon that videogames introduce to mankind. However with the fruition of such great success; so were the seeds of its impending failure planted.

Like all industries, it was not long before businesses saw the potential of great income in videogames. Venture capitalist then sought out to invest in gaming; expanding the market to sensational and unfathomable levels. More content was needed as the innovative content was then replaced with graphics and technology. Social gatherings for gamers in the arcade were greatly affected.

Life as a gamer then became a never ending struggle between dynamic opposites both underground and mainstream, substance and the superficial, innovation and graphics and all the infinite variations of both the Ying and Yang. When the pendulum swings in favor of one it will eventually swing back in favor of its opposites and thus the balance of the gamer culture is maintained.

For Gamers this balance was disrupted by the over advancing of technology. The internet rendered gamers physically and socially useless and devastated the arcade's population. Gamers now compete in underground tournaments for pride and money games. Only the skilled survives and in this day and age, gamers are fearful but power over inferior gamers makes them feel less afraid. The flames of life as a gamer was sputtering and if extinguished, it may never be rekindled.

But there are those whose concerns were not for themselves but for the gamers and the gamers population. Many misconceptions and stereotypes of the yet undefined term “gamer” grew. Speculations of violence, unproductive and psychologically damaging behaviors took hold of gamers as the scapegoat to societies isolated yet tragic events. The industry found allies and band against such political attacks with lobbyist that fought for the right of the gaming industry to express the content in videogames. Yet none strong enough stood for the gamers themselves.

“We are convinced now that more than our culture is at stake. When people create games that pretends to innovate. Gamers are misunderstood by societies mistakes, but are a by product of the games the industry makes. From an extraverted point of view many think it is too late. Videogames have never been the same since 1998 and since it became a lucrative profession, it is a misconception and a movement in any direction is progression. Even though the potency of its profits, big money industries writing checks to suppress the question and nobody gives a damn anymore, no one goes to the arcades ever since the influence of Thomas Moore’s law.”

-Triforce (inspired by Canibus)

As with any civil rights movement, the uphill battle continued for video gamers secure a location for the first ever Gamers Unite Rally.  Fortunately, Gamers are competitive by nature and look at a challenge with a smile before forging ahead.  Despite the speed bumps and potholes, “Gamers Unite” will still kick off in New York on Saturday May 5th at 1:00pm.  Holiday Inn Soho came to the rescue of the gamers. Gamers will gather at the Holiday Inn on 138 Lafayette Street in Downtown Manhattan. Still unwavering is the trifecta of support that has made the rally possible, Empire Arcadia Inc., JC-Media + Entertainment LLC and ECA.

Realizing the importance of the event, the organizations pulled together to ensure the success of the peaceful demonstration scheduled for May 5th. Stereotypes have made it difficult to secure venues in the past as people often have a negative preconceived perception. Who are these gamers? What is the gamer culture? We hope to shed some light on these questions on Saturday.

With industry support from companies like, Gamers United Radio, Red Octane, Hero Gear, Nyko, Running with Scissors and the Holiday Inn Select Hotels, Gamers Unite is set to be successful in showing the nation the positive aspects of gaming. We will have keynote speakers that will include Chastity Irizarry, CEO of JC Media + Entertainment, Damon Scott, President of JC Media + Entertainment, “TriForce”, CEO of Empire Arcadia, Daisy Johnson, President and Dana Platt VP of the Valkyries of Arcadia, and Heather Ellerston VP of Marketing of the ECA. Gaming organizations who are announced to attend are the PMS Clan, Frag Dolls, KSI, and ACK.

Games will include: Wii Homerun Derby, Guitar Hero 2, and many more. Gamers are encouraged to bring their portable gaming devices such as the Nintendo DS, and the PlayStation Portable. Our call to action is "Gamers Unite."

*Note: If you are coming from out of state for this gathering rooms are limited at the Holiday Inn Select; please call 212-966-8898 for reservations. Tell them you are a Gamer United.

This is only the beginning because after Gamers Unite, the National Event for “Gamers Against Violence“ begins. Due to the large outcry of support for the Gamers Against Violence cause we have decided to reschedule the GAV national events to June 16th. This will offer all press, sponsors and gamers interested in helping out more time to plan events and talk to the media about who we are and what our events represent.  The official website (www.gamersagainstviolence.us) will be updated by the 12th of May with new information about the June 16th national events.
 
Becky "Aktrez" Young
Leading Lady
The Girl Gaming Network

JC Media + Entertainment LLC;
Offical Event Sponsor of Empire Arcadia Inc.