The ESA has cautioned that tariffs imposed by Trump could cause "significant harm" to developers and players in the United States

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has expressed that the planned tariffs by the Trump administration could potentially lead to "significant harm" for the U.S. video game sector and its consumers.

In a statement to Kotaku, the group representing major video game corporations such as Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo urged for a "transparent process" where the industry can be consulted, aiming to prevent adverse effects on the American public.

The tariffs, scheduled for implementation tomorrow, target exports from Canada, China, and Mexico. However, the tariffs concerning Mexico remain on hold pending review.

Although digital games may not be directly affected, the tariffs are expected to influence the availability of hardware, accessories, and components essential for gaming consoles and PC systems.

"The imposition of tariffs on gaming devices and products would affect Americans nationwide," the statement highlighted.

"We urge the administration to engage with the private sector openly to avoid inflicting considerable damage on both everyday Americans and one of the fastest-growing entertainment industries in the nation."

As noted by Forbes, the statement was later revised to underscore:

"Video games represent a highly cherished entertainment medium in the U.S., enjoyed by individuals across all age demographics. Tariffs on gaming devices could detrimentally affect millions of Americans and threaten the vital contributions of this industry to the national economy. We are eager to collaborate with the Administration and Congress to explore solutions that support continued economic growth driven by our industry."