t looks like another company has split up with the Entertainment Software Association. Today, both LucasArts and the ESA confirmed that the Star Wars: Force Unleashed developer/publisher has decided not to renew its membership. This is just off the heels of newly merged Activision Blizzard also announcing their departure. The ESA is the organization that owns and operates the E3 and despite their departure, LucasArts will be indeed be attending the show this year. The ESA has issued to following statement:

"Since its creation in 1994, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has grown and evolved into the pre-eminent voice of the video and computer game industry. The organization has 25 members, including three companies that were welcomed last year.

Today, we can confirm that one of our members, LucasArts, has decided not to renew its membership. We value each member of our association, but respect the unique factors that led to LucasArts' decision.

Last year was a record year for an industry which is becoming an increasingly important part of the nation's social, cultural and economic landscape. We are confident the industry will continue to thrive and ESA will continue to create a beneficial environment for the entire entertainment software industry."

Rich Taylor, Senior Vice President of Communications and Research, Entertainment Software Association
May 16, 2008

We will have more info as it comes in.