In an unexpected turn of events, industry giant Activision Blizzard has severed ties with the Entertainment Software Association, following reports that Activision Blizzard will not participate at this year’s E3 Media and Business Summit.

The ESA released the following statement:

“While the Entertainment Software Association remains the preeminent voice for U.S. computer and video game publishers, we can confirm that Activision and Vivendi Games opted to discontinue their membership. The ESA remains dedicated to advancing our industry’s objectives such as protecting intellectual property, preserving First Amendment rights, and fostering a beneficial environment for the entire industry. Our high level of service and value to members and the larger industry remains unchanged.”

Rumors of Activision and Vivendi rescinding their membership with the ESA surfaced as early as yesterday, when it was revealed that they are among six major publishers bowing out of E3. The ESA owns and operates E3. Gaming Nexus received a statement from the company, stating, “After careful consideration, for business reasons Activision has decided not to participate in any official E3 activities. We wish the ESA best of luck with the show.” Activision will be hosting its own press event to coincide with the first night of E3.

Activision is a prominent publisher in the gaming industry, with the rights to several highly successful series such as Guitar Hero, Call of Duty, and Tony Hawk. Vivendi-owned Blizzard Entertainment is known for the Warcraft, Starcraft, and Diablo series. In December 2007 Activision and Vivendi announced a merger, renaming themselves Activision Blizzard.

Source: Gaming Nexus

Tags: Activision, Blizzard, E3

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