NCsoft ESA departure not based on financial reasons

NCsoft's issued a statement saying it decision to leave ESA had nothing to do with money - or lack of it - as was speculated this morning.

"While we appreciate what the ESA does for our industry, we can confirm that NCsoft has elected not to keep membership with the ESA for 2009.

"This decision was not financially motivated, as indicated in your story," the company told GamePolitics, who broke the move.

"There have been many changes in the gaming industry over the past couple of years and, like other developers and publishers, we have decided to wait to see how related industry events and organizations further develop before rejoining. We will be reviewing our membership status on an annual basis."

NCsoft is the seventh company to quit ESA this year.