Both LucasArts and the Entertainment Software Association confirmed via statements made Friday that the publisher has opted to not renew its membership with the ESA, but will still be participating in E3.

According to the statement Next-Gen received, the ESA’s Senior Vice President of Communication and Research Rich Taylor "can confirm that one of [its] members, LucasArts, has decided not to renew its membership."

The statement continued, "We value each member of our association, but respect the unique factors that led to LucasArts’ decision." Taylor concluded, "We are confident the industry will continue to thrive and ESA will continue to create a beneficial environment for the entire entertainment software industry."

LucasArts also confirmed the departure with Next-Gen. According to the company's director of Public Relations Margaret Grohne, "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."

This news follows the early May report that Activision and Vivendi have likewise discontinued membership with the ESA.