Guys, it is now official. Entertainment Software Association (ESA) finally confirmed today the rumors circulating about the resignation of Doug Lowenstein as the organization's president. The rumors, that began before the weekend, were also true about Lowenstein starting a new trade group.

Furthermore, ESA mentioned that they have began looking for someone to replace Lowenstein. While no prospects were named yet, everybody knows that the group's ex-president certainly left a big void that is hard to fill in. Twelve years ago, Lowenstein founded ESA together with a companion. Today, he left it with 32-strong employees and a strong reputation regarding anti-piracy enforcement, domestic and international intellectual property policy, government and media relations as well as research.

Entertainment Merchants Association (EMA) President Bo Andersen reflected on the void the resignation created. He reiterated how the guy slaved and built ESA into a positive and influential institution in the videogame industry. Finally, Lowenstein leaves everyone in the industry this message:

I have been honored to represent the amazing companies of the ESA, to serve as their advocate and to be part of an industry which is having such a profound and positive effect on our culture and the world of entertainment. Like our industry, the ESA has grown and matured and is now stronger and more robust than ever before. The future of video games and its trade association is very bright indeed.