The Entertainment Software Association's 2011 Annual Report (Adobe Acrobat format) is now online, offering the trade group's assessment of how the video game industry fared last year (thanks VentureBeat). The document kicks off welcoming new members to the association, unfortunately leading off with 38 Studios, which is already out of business. In addition to discussing game sales, tax incentives, and the like, there is also much discussion of the high profile Supreme Court case of Brown v. Entertainment Merchants Association (EMA)/ESA, as well as the other legal battles they've had to fight along the way. Here's the wrap-up of the introduction by ESA President and CEO Michael D. Gallagher:

These achievements, and the many others described in the following pages, demonstrate our industry’s growing vitality and influence. Yet none of this would have been possible without the dedication and leadership of our member companies. I would like to express my gratitude to our Board members, ESA staff, and the ESRB. Together, we will enhance appreciation for games and increase understanding of the positive impact they have on the economy, education, healthcare, businesses, and the arts. I look forward to further developing our industry’s critical and evolving role in positively shaping and advancing our society’s future.