Rumor: Activision ousts Infinity Ward studio heads

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G4's The Feed, which has been in communication with a source at Infinity Ward, reports that organizational changes may be in effect at the FPS developer's offices. The source claims that a "bunch of 'bouncer-types' just showed up outside of the Infinity Ward offices unannounced. When approached by employees, the non-uniformed 'bouncers' were unwilling to disclose why they were there." In addition, The Feed notes that Infinity Ward's studio heads, Vince Zampella and Jason West, were not seen by fellow staff members after a meeting with Activision on Monday morning. A desk guard at Infinity Ward's offices was unable to confirm any of the events to Joystiq, and calls to community manager Robert Bowling went unanswered at the time of writing.

Apparently, on Monday Activision filed a Form 10-K with the SEC, which is basically an overview of the company's financial condition, and includes any information that could possibly affect that condition. This filing states, "In November 2009, the Company released Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, a game developed by one of the Company's wholly-owned studios, Infinity Ward. As noted above, Modern Warfare 2 was the best selling console title in the U.S. and Europe in 2009. Consistent with past practice, the Company intends to release a Call of Duty game in 2010 developed by another wholly-owned studio. The Company 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."

Co-studio head Jason West has reportedly changed both his Facebook status and LinkedIn page to indicate that he is no longer employed. As soon as we get more news, we'll pass it along.

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"Rumor: Activision ousts Infinity Ward studio heads" :: Login/Create an Account :: 17 comments

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ImodgamezPosted:

Lol IW is going independant basically?

Aidy82Posted:

weird one

MonkeyPosted:

"fyck you the tech game suck my d!ick all of you , you all have no lifes"



Then why did you post 64 times. Why did you even join. Gtfo and don't complain about it if you don't like it.

MonkeyPosted:

Well, if they are out that could mean a bunch of things. IW could get 10x more strict on what goes on ingame, more ban happy. Patch things faster? Would be nice. There could be good and bad, I hope it's for more good than bad.

vpREciSIoNxPosted:

fyck you the tech game suck my d!ick all of you , you all have no lifes

mythic987Posted:

Thank you TTG Dragon that post really helped me understand that matter thx!!

SeanPosted:

@TTG_Dragon nail on the head

TTG_DragonPosted:

The story and the words aren't complicated. Most adults can comprehend what it all means. If you know anything about the business world, then you'd understand.



Basically it says that Jason West and another senior employee disagreed with the fact that Activision is choosing to use another company for the 2010 CoD game like they have been doing since the beginning. Instead of going through the proper channels to make their arguments known, they filed do*****entation which breached their contract, which in turn led to leaked information, and ultimately the insubordination claim. All charges are valid terms for termination.



All this does is shine light on the realization that IW was starting to get greedy and wanted to continue to capitalize on their current CoD success story

TTG_BooMPosted:

Activision is one of THE worst companies I have ever seen. They go out on IW when they had to rush IW to make MW2 by November. Well that is why the game is so shit and full of exploits. Activision is basicly mad at IW for a Security Guard doing something wrong? Leaking Information? Doing something wrong? What does it mean. Rateing this story 2 stars for very complicated words. Even I_R_Brian doesn't know :P

vash1448Posted:

Al-Qaeda is making there move they are pissed afghan is in the game