The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has been dealt yet another serious blow with the announcement of LucasArts leaving the ESA. This brings the company drop out number to three with Activision and Vivendi refusing to renew their memberships as well. Speculation lays the blame on the ESA’s new president Mike Gallagher’s potential to lead the organization.

LucasArts’ PR department released a statement regarding the company’s departure from the ESA, “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.”

Despite the departure from the ESA, LucasArts will be participating in E3 this year.

The ESA’s Senior Vice President of Communications and Research, Rich Taylor, also released a statement on behalf of the organization, reminding us of the 25 other members that are still on board, “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.”

I’m starting to see a trend here. Who’s going to jump ship next?