Several weeks after some big names in the gaming industry announced their decision to skip this year’s E3 Media & Business summit, id Software cleared all uncertainties regarding its position, after repeatedly confirming and retracting their attendance.

The DOOM and Quake creator has finally confirmed that it is no longer a member of the Entertainment Software Association, an announcement also confirmed by ESA.

Earlier this month, Activision, and consequently Vivendi, and LucaArts refused to renew their membership with the Entertainment Software Association, while NCsoft and Foundation 9 decided not to exhibit at this year’s E3.

Among the names retiring from E3 or ESA, id Software was surrounded by the most uncertainty. According to an ESA statement, signed by senior vice president Rich Taylor, they respect id Software’s decision, and they continue to admire their creativity and innovation.

The reasons for leaving ESA remain unknown, but it is likely that id Software has been motivated by the same “business reasons” that drew Activision and Vivendi to discontinue their membership.

The possible reason for all the publishers dropping out of ESA or not attending this year’s LA show has one name: Mike Gallagher. Rumors have it that he is a reason of discontent for a lot of publishers, although none of them has actually confirmed this.

With so many big names dropping out of E3 and ESA, we can’t help but wonder how the E3 Media & Business Summit, which will take place on July 15 – 17, will look like, with so many publishers missing.

The show will be less ample than in previous years, and the attendance at the event will be invitation only, open to both ESA and non-ESA members.