G4 is reporting that some of Activision's security guards have stormed the offices of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 developer Infinity Ward - giving staff a fright and firing two key members of the successful developer.
Activision explained the reason for the raid in their latest SEC filing:
"The Company (Activision) is concluding an internal human resources inquiry into breaches of contract and insubordination by two senior employees at Infinity Ward. This matter is expected to involve the departure of key personnel and litigation. At present, the Company does not expect this matter to have a material impact on the Company."
Reports indicate that one of the staff members released was Jason West, the lead designer of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and CTO of Infinity Ward - the other is rumored to be Infinity Ward CEO, Vince Zampella.
In addition, G4 are reporting that Activision CEO Bobby Kotick will be meeting with Infinity Ward staff to explain the situation.
Update:
G4 reports that a memo from Activision president and CEO, Mike Griffith has been leaked.
The memo highlights Infinity Ward as the key to Call of Duty's future - and they are still working on the Modern Warfare 2 DLC, while Treyarch are handling the 2010 release.
"2010 is expected to be another big year for Call of Duty," said Griffith, "with Treyarch developing a new title for fall release, Infinity Ward's downloadable content for Modern Warfare 2 in the works now, and a new Call of Duty title expected to be released in 2011."
Although it doesn't mention who will develop the 2011 release, the memo brings up a new title from Dead Space developer Sledgehammer - an action adventure Call of Duty tie-in.
Griffith, making the distinction between the two games clear, adds: "In addition,Sledgehammer Games is in development on a Call of Duty title in the action-adventure genre. It's an exciting time and it's the right time to ensure the appropriate resources are there to support Call of Duty's growth."
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16COMMENTS (12)
Man, can't wait to hear exactly what happened. I hope the truth gets out.
So they Ninja Pro'd in, and went Commando on them? What Predators, like an enemy AC130 from above.
One hopes that they resolve this with Steady Aim and with little Sleight of Hand.
They should have equipped the Cold Blooded perk.
One hopes that they resolve this with Steady Aim and with little Sleight of Hand.
They should have equipped the Cold Blooded perk.
There are two versions of what happened.
1) Activision were going to get someone else to make MW3, and IW freaked out or something. Activision then threw a hissy fit and fired them.
Or...
2) Activision wanted IW to make MW3, but OW wanted to pursue a new IP beforehand. Activision freaked out, fired them.
1) Activision were going to get someone else to make MW3, and IW freaked out or something. Activision then threw a hissy fit and fired them.
Or...
2) Activision wanted IW to make MW3, but OW wanted to pursue a new IP beforehand. Activision freaked out, fired them.
We don't know the full story, but this just adds to my view that Activision has turned into a greedy corporate bully that exploits gamers.
Damn it must have been something big because IW and the Call of Duty franchise must be Activision biggest money earners and the lead designer is an important asset.
This sucks some serious a$$ … a shame to think that Infinity Ward is NOT likely to be involved in future Call of Duty games! … poo’s and wee’s!!
3 March 2010, 01:37 PM
Reply to p1nkm15t
So they Ninja Pro'd in, and went Commando on them? What Predators, like an enemy AC130 from above.
One hopes that they resolve this with Steady Aim and with little Sleight of Hand.
They should have equipped the Cold Blooded perk.
sounds like activision all ready have that perk in spades.
So they Ninja Pro'd in, and went Commando on them? What Predators, like an enemy AC130 from above.
One hopes that they resolve this with Steady Aim and with little Sleight of Hand.
They should have equipped the Cold Blooded perk.
Can't wait for a new game from these two when they settle this. Activision is gonna kill COD like they have with Guitar Hero and EA with Need for Speed
Also I can't stand the other COD games that are not made by IW. COD 3 boring. World at War boring
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