According to new online reports, publisher Crave Entertainment (
Pinball Hall of Fame series) has departed the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), joining a number of other departures, including Activision, Vivendi, and LucasArts.
ECA-owned website GamePolitics.com has
published a report indicating the California-based publisher has departed the trade organization, explaining:
"While the company is still listed on the member page of the ESA website, GamePolitics has learned from a knowledgeable source that Crave is no longer a member of the organization, which represents the interests of US video game publishers. Despite leaving ESA, Crave will be exhibiting at next month's E3."
This departure, if confirmed, will be the latest of a number that have
recently included Doom creator id Software (though theirs has been described as 'temporary' by CEO Todd Hollenshead), as well as the soon to be merged Activision and Vivendi Games, plus LucasArts.
So far, companies have declined to give publicly stated reasoning for their decisions to leave the trade organization, which lobbies in Washington on behalf of members, conducts anti-piracy campaigns, and helps to organize the now scaled-down E3 show.
[
UPDATE: Gamasutra has received an official statement from the ESA's Rich Taylor, commenting: "We can confirm that Crave has decided not to renew its membership in the ESA. We value each member of our association, but respect their decision. In conversations with Crave, representatives stated that they value their longstanding membership with the ESA and remain committed to the values and goals of the association."]
