It looks like the decision to not participate at E3 2008 was just the tip of the iceberg for soon-to-be merged game publishers Activision and Vivendi Games. The Entertainment Software Organization, the organizers of E3, has officially confirmed that both companies have decided to break off ties to the video/PC game trade organization entirely. This is the first major defection in the ESA's ranks since it was formed (as the Interactive Digital Software Organization) in 1994. No reasons for the move were given by the ESA in its statement and neither Activision nor Vivendi have commented yet on this specific move (an Activision spokesperson stated in regards to not attending E3 that the move was made for "business" reasons).

Of course, Activision and Vivendi Games are due to merge by the end of June to form Activision-Blizzard so it's possible that they could return to the ESA at some point after the merger. But if they don't that means the largest third party game publisher will not be a part of the main US video/PC game trade group. In addition to organizing E3 every year, the ESA helps to defend the game industry in court against law that might restrict game sales, helps to fight game piracy and more. Will this high-profile defection be just the first