It appears the speculation has been confirmed. Less than an hour ago Joystiq received confirmation from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) that LucasArts is no longer a member of the organization.

According to Rich Taylor, Senior VP of Communications and Research for the ESA, LucasArts has decided to allow their ESA membership expire and will not be renewing. "We value each member of our association, but respect the unique factors that led to LucasArts' decision," Taylor said in a statement released by the ESA.

Director of public relations at LucasArts Margaret Grohne responded to the announcement saying it was business as usual now that LucasArts has branched away from 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."

Recently the ESA was faced with a similar issue when Activision and Vivendi Games announced they had decided to depart the organization over unnamed "business" issues.

ESA's Rich Taylor and LucasArts Margaret Grohne's full statements are available after the jump.

ESA statement:
"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

LucasArts statement:
"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