Activision Fires Two Lead Developers From Infinity Ward

Link to article

Activision also owns them....a bit more clarity:

We're still not entirely sure what happened between Activision and Infinity Ward but at the very least, we know it was a falling out of some kind. Last night, we learned that IW bosses Vince Zampella and Jason West never returned from a meeting with Activision; after which, some "bouncer types" showed up at IW and really freaked everyone out. Well, now it seems that both Zampella and West have been fired and there may even be a lawsuit that follows. Why? Like we said, it's a mess. You may want to read through the updates over at Binge Gamer, because there's a lot to go over. Firstly, it seems the developers haven't received any royalties for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 yet; a game that has earned Activision over $1 billion in revenue thus far. Maybe it's just a contractual thing and IW isn't supposed to receive any royalties just yet, but we can't be sure. Secondly, although Activision owns Infinity Ward, the development studio is technically autonomous; they're merely held in place by a contract that expires in October. The problem seems to revolve around the Call of Duty franchise: Activision may want the rights to the name but Infinity Ward holds them. If IW doesn't want to do a Modern Warfare 3, Activision probably does and needs another developer...hence, they need those rights.

The last part is downright nasty- according to recent SEC paperwork filed by Activision, there were "breaches of contract and insubordination by two senior employees at Infinity Ward." An inside source believes IW may have been in talks with a "rival publisher," which is likely the breach Activision is claiming. Interestingly enough, come October when the Acti/IW contract dissolves, Infinity Ward could hire Zampella and West back. Maybe they'll just take a little vacation for now...? Anyway, we're certain there's more to this story but we'll let it lie for now until either party comes forward with something official.

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Activision's rights run out in October, they are trying to strong arm the employees......it will end badly for them, I suspect.



DD

 

****ing weak.

 

Interesting. Thanks for link, DD.

 

Spoke to another guy just now and said that Activision does own the COD IP, and that they have paid royalties.

It does have to do with the original members hand cuffs contract being up in October though.

When in doubt follow the $$$$

DD

 

MW2 is the greatest game the world has ever seen. five console generations from now we will still be talking about how great that game is....

 

I just learned about that reading this great article at Wired Magazine. Easily what could've been a multi-billion dollar, twenty or thirty year, multimedia (TV and Movie) franchise done in by genuinely bizarre management.

 

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I sincerely hope not.

 

lol, if in 5 console generations Im not sitting in a 3d virtual reality war, then i'll be pissed.

 

this really sucks, one of the most epic video game franchises is over

haha, yeah me too

 

Infinity Ward founders to sue Activision...

http://kotaku.com/5485703/infinity-...nst-activision-[the-court-documents]/gallery/

 

LOL, that would probably be because they're in the business of selling video games.

 

Looks like the two started up a new company and signed up with EA. Four of their top developers have also quit, though yet to sign on to their new company.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/36426086/

http://www.cnbc.com/id/36473104

 

Yep, they are probably going to get about 40 of the people from Infinity Ward, just take the best, and start over in Encino.

Nice job Jason !

DD

 

Didn't know Activision management are a bunch of dicks. Almost makes EA look good.

 

Activision is notorious for this.....EA has it's own issues but they don't do stuff like this......

EA Partners is a great arm of EA to sign up with.......or so I might have...ah...heard.



DD

 

So they work with EA now, are they gonna be given some franchise to reimagine? Reviving Medal of Honor?

 

I believe their deal allows them to own the IP, so they will be making a new one.

DD

 

DD, if you don't mind me asking... What are some of the games you've worked on?

 

Wingcommander 3 and 4, Privateer 2, Starlancer, Conquest Frontier Wars, Hit & Myth.

About 17 Gizmondo games.....

DD