The Entertainment Software Association's ranks have been shrinking with each passing day, and now Lucasarts can be added to the list of developers that have left the association. In a statement issued earlier in the day by the ESA, they explained the situation without dropping any real hints as to the reasoning.

"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." 

This statement misses some important information, like what the unique factors could be. My guess is that it involves Jedi, Sith, or some combination of the two. Lucasarts has confirmed the news with Joystiq, and said that they still plan on maintaining activity in the industry and supporting the ESA's mission, as well as continued support for E3.

If you don't know what the ESA's mission is, you can click here to read it on their website. The short version is that they are an organization that attempts to help video game developers and publishers, (conducting studies, fighting back against idiots like Thompson, ect). They also run the E3 Expo every year in California.

Lucasarts is the third company in recent weeks to drop support (Vevendi and Activision being the most recent) and some other companies, including Epic, have been rumored to be the next ones out. The full statements by both Lucasarts and the ESA is below.

ESA:

"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)"

Lucasarts:

"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." -- Margaret Grohne, Director, Public Relations

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