The Entertainment Software Association has been in a constant downward spiral over the past few weeks as publisher after publisher have been dropping out of E3 , with major player ActiBlizz even confirming their exit from the association all together. Late last week, word broke that LucasArts may have also dropped their membership to the association when their company name had disappeared from the ESA website. Looks like yet another internet rumor has come true, as the ESA has confirmed the publisher's secession.  Rich Taylor, Senior VP of communications and research at the ESA issued a comment of:

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.

Uh oh. That's definitely not a good sign - for the ESA, that is. One by one, it seems that whispers of the major players' participation in the association continue to crop up here and there, and with the already laughable state that E3 is in, it's not looking good. The financial situation for the association could be in the early stages of taking a steep, steep dive. LucasArts confirmed that they are still planning to attend the E3 Summit this July, despite this announcement. Margaret Grohne, PR Director for LucasArts said:

We can confirm that LucasArts is no longer a member of the ESA. As a company we are still committed to bringing consumers the best interactive experience possible and support the ESA's mission in the industry. LucasArts will be participating in E3.

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