[Updated] Problems At Infinity Ward/New Dev Added to CoD Team

[Telefrog]

Not much more to say about this as it is still relatively new information and none of it is officially confirmed.

A developing story courtesy G4TV (http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/702911/Security-Appears-Unannounced-At-Infinity-Ward-Studio-Heads-Missing-Staff-Freaked-Out-.html)

A source close to the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 developer just informed me 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.

"Everyone is on edge," said my source.

Infinity Ward studio heads Vince Zampella and Jason West reportedly met with Activision this morning and have not been seen by Infinity Ward staff members since. My source did not delve into specifics, but described the relationship between Infinity Ward and Activision lately as "tense."Uh-oh. :confused:

[Update #1] - It looks like Jason West, one of Infinity Ward's two founders, has been terminated by Activision. In a filing this morning with the SEC Activison claims "breaches of contract and insubordination by two senior employees at Infinity Ward" will lead involve the departure of key personnel and litigation." West has since updated his Facebook and LinkedIn profiles to indicate that he's been let go.

[Update #2] - Looks like Vince is out as well according to this 1Up link (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3178175) which has a pic of his LinkedIn status which now reads TBD instead of Studio Head/CEO IW.

[Update #3] - Activision-Blizzard has put out a press release (http://investor.activision.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=448656) with their plans for the franchise. Some interesting tidbits: The company is also for the first time announcing that a new game in the*Call of Duty*series is expected to be released in 2011 and that Sledgehammer Games, a newly formed, wholly owned studio, is in development on a*Call of Duty*game that will extend the franchise into the action-adventure genre


The*Call of Duty*business unit will be led by Philip Earl, who currently runs Activision Publishing's Asia Pacific region and previously served in senior executive positions with Procter & Gamble and Nestle. Activision Publishing veterans Steve Pearce, chief technology officer and Steve Ackrich, head of production, will lead Infinity Ward on an interim basis. Jason West and Vince Zampella are no longer with Infinity Ward.

More on this as it develops.

Read more: http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/702911/Security-Appears-Unannounced-At-Infinity-Ward-Studio-Heads-Missing-Staff-Freaked-Out-.html#ixzz0h1S5OkBx

Read more: http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/702911/Security-Appears-Unannounced-At-Infinity-Ward-Studio-Heads-Missing-Staff-Freaked-Out-.html#ixzz0h1Ro3rw6

[Paradox Symphony]

I was about to post this. This is very scary. What if... what if IW is dropped and... *gasp* Treyarch gets put in charge of the CoD series!?

[Widgetcraft]

I was about to post this. This is very scary. What if... what if IW is dropped and... *gasp* Treyarch gets put in charge of the CoD series!?

A fairly shitty franchise would be given to a shitty shovelware dev; things would be a little more right in the world. I also love that Activision is so evil at this point that they actually have henchmen.

[Paradox Symphony]

A fairly shitty franchise would be given to a shitty shovelware dev; things would be a little more right in the world. I also love that Activision is so evil at this point that they actually have henchmen.

Fairly shitty? CoD4 and MW2 put it way ahead of shitty.

But Treyarch is another story

[Hawkzombie]

The fact Activision has goons is hilarious. But frightening? Hardly. I mean, what, did Activision have the heads if IW killed and are now gonna enact a 'hostile (http://simpsons.wikia.com/wiki/Compu-Global-Hyper-Mega-Net)' takeover?

[J Arcane]

The fact Activision has goons is hilarious. But frightening? Hardly. I mean, what, did Activision have the heads if IW killed and are now gonna enact a 'hostile (http://simpsons.wikia.com/wiki/Compu-Global-Hyper-Mega-Net)' takeover?

That is the most poorly written article I have ever seen on any wiki ever.

[Aggort]

Given the current condition of the MP in MW2 and the insane amounts of hacking, I am interested in this story.

[Hawkzombie]

That is the most poorly written article I have ever seen on any wiki ever.

I wanted to post a Youtube of it, but Fox is hyper-vigilante when it comes to Simpsons stuff on there. Sadly, it was the next best thing.

[Smokey]

Developing story: http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/702911/Security-Appears-Unannounced-At-Infinity-Ward-Studio-Heads-Missing-Staff-Freaked-Out-.html



Uh-oh. :confused:

Considering that IW was founded and created CoD after falling out with EA over Medal of Honor, why the hell would Activision risk losing IW to another company? It's not like a new company founded by the creators of CoD would have trouble getting bags of money thrown at them.

[Hawkzombie]

I think this is appropriate:

OTyw6cq86kY

(Lyrics NSFW)

[Generation ABXY]

It's not like a new company founded by the creators of CoD would have trouble getting bags of money thrown at them.

So, is that another for the "Activision had them killed" theory? ;)

[Krispy]

Color me intrigued.

[Paradox Symphony]

I think this is appropriate:

OTyw6cq86kY

(Lyrics NSFW)

Oh my god hawk zombie we need to get fucking married already

[Grifter]

I would love to see an Infinity Ward without the shackles of Activision.

[Mike Kelehan]

If history has taught us anything, this will happen: Infinity Ward will leave, and make a significantly better new FPS series. Activision will say, "That doesn't matter; we have the Call of Duty name!" They'll release six of these Call of Duties in a single year, kill the franchise just as it's finally coming into its own, and fire everyone responsible.

[Paradox Symphony]

If history has taught us anything, this will happen: Infinity Ward will leave, and make a significantly better new FPS series. Activision will say, "That doesn't matter; we have the Call of Duty name!" They'll release six of these Call of Duties in a single year, kill the franchise just as it's finally coming into its own, and fire everyone responsible.

How can we be so sure this means IW will be kicked out of the club?

[Troggles]

I heard a rumor Infinity Ward was trying to add dedicated servers to MW2. This was Activision's response.

[Spectre-7]

Smells of publicity stunt.

[Savok]

Smells of publicity stunt.
Yes it does, but either way, this is going to end up one those bizarre stories gaming creates from time to time.

[LongStepMantis]

They're marketing geniuses. People all over the net are actually buying this story as legitimate, talking about "praying for their safety" and shit. Bravo.

[Expugnare]

Why is IW staff still at the office? Definite stunt.

[TrackZero]

Well Klepek says it's not a PR stunt. So either take him at his word or assume he's being taken. For the time being, I'd assume the former.

[Crowe]

I hope IW gets kicked to the curb so they can go back making kick arse pc games with dedicated servers. Like COD Modern Warfare.

But why on earth would Activision use hired muscle.....smells like bullshit.

[Inspector Fowler]

fourzerotwo says he is not sure what is going on.

I don't really care - my copy of Modern Warfare 2 will be part of my payment for BC2 tomorrow.

[Spectre-7]

But why on earth would Activision use hired muscle.....smells like bullshit.

Assuming someone's been given their walking papers or has otherwise severed their relationship with Activision, it's pretty standard to put them under security supervision while they clean out their office and leave the premises. Depending on how emotionally charged the meeting with Activision was, they may very well have been barred from returning to the offices entirely for fear of theft, sabotage or any number of other retaliatory acts.

Or it could be a publicity stunt. I sure hope all of the bouncer types are wearing black shirts with their codenames printed on them.

[Aggort]

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2u8ckea&s=6

Jason West is no longer employed!

[Philonious]

Kotaku has a potential update:

http://kotaku.com/5483348/report-strange-things-are-afoot-at-infinity-ward-[update]

[wyeast]

Either:

1) This is true, and Activision has ousted those two in attempts to get the rest of the studio "in line", squeezing blood from the turnip and shaping up MW2 with zero resources. Or,

2) This is true, and Activision is jettisoning the whole studio. Or,

3) This is false, and a dramatic PR stunt pulled by EA. "MW2 burned to the ground as BC2 is heralded the new king!"

4) This is true or false - intended as a massive redirect to divert attention away from the whole Silver Lining thing. :D

If (1), sadly it's the most believable, and demonstrative of just how far Activision has gone over the past few years. If (2), it would be hilariously tragic as a lot of what went wrong with CoD may be attributable to them (Activision). If (3), and EA is the hero then truly the world has become upside down.

... if it's (4), it ain't gonna work. :mad: ;)

[Aggort]

http://gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2010/03/01/news-what-s-going-down-at-infinity-ward.aspx

[Paradox Symphony]

I'm honestly getting a little weirded out by this. What if West really was drinking too much, and those bouncers were deployed to detain him?

[EternalGamer]

A fairly shitty franchise would be given to a shitty shovelware dev; things would be a little more right in the world. I also love that Activision is so evil at this point that they actually have henchmen.

I actually agree. Call of Duty is a fairly shitty franchise, it has just had AAA production values. The gameplay design is around a decade behind. It's a glorified on rails shooting gallery. They just make it look wide open and slightly randomized.

But IW clearly have talented people. Would be interested to see them try to use it for more than just developing glossy paint. They are really the only big company I can think of where the production values don't come nearly matching the gameplay ideas.

I think in the same way Star Wars helped lead to the establishment of the big, dumb popcorn movie full of special effects, Call of Duty will do the same thing for videogames. We will get tons of big dumb, glossy looking videogames with high production budgets. Curious to see how many Call of Duty spin offs we start getting. I imagine 5 years from now it will be like UbiSoft's "Tom Clancy" brand.

[Hawkzombie]

Oh my god hawk zombie we need to get fucking married already

Tease. Stop playing with my emotions and maybe we can talk!

And on topic: I think this is hilarious how the gaming community is all 'OMFG' over themselves. It's not like this is the first (and it certainly won't be the last) time something like this has happened. Granted, it's on the heels of a 'successful' game so it's a bit out of character, but who knows, honestly.

If that really is Jason West's facebook page, his image is awesome. The dude will abide...But that development company really tied the room together.

[J Arcane]

Guitar Hero was a successful game, and Activision let Harmonix walk and foisted the continuation of the franchise on a mediocre "extreme sports game" developer.

I don't put ANYTHING past Activision anymore.

[wyeast]

And on topic: I think this is hilarious how the gaming community is all 'OMFG' over themselves. It's not like this is the first (and it certainly won't be the last) time something like this has happened. Granted, it's on the heels of a 'successful' game so it's a bit out

It's OMFG because it's all about Activision. Just when you think they couldn't get any worse, you start hearing about security goons. :p

[Deadend]

The bouncers are there to force Infinity Ward to make the next Guitar Hero game, as Activsion reasoning is that 'If A Studio makes a profitable game, therefore ANY game they make would be profitable. These spreadsheets CAN'T LIE!' So it would make sense to have Infinity Ward make the next Guitar Hero game.

Shit's fucked up, if real, which it probably is. And oddly enough, the 'real news' people aren't covering it, even though this is kind of bigger news than anything in the movie industry, as I am pretty sure Modern Warfare 2 made a BILLION dollars.

This also makes Game Informer's "DICE Declares War On Infinity Ward" review title to have sinister implications.

[Aggort]

This is now confirmed!

[Karmakin]

Was MW2 really that successful? I mean, yeah it sold a bunch, but at the same time it did quite a bit of damage to the brand as a whole.

[Hawkzombie]

It's OMFG because it's all about Activision. Just when you think they couldn't get any worse, you start hearing about security goons. :p

http://digitalhooligans.com/blog/uploaded_images/serie_zok-765030.jpg

[Aggort]

Was MW2 really that successful? I mean, yeah it sold a bunch, but at the same time it did quite a bit of damage to the brand as a whole.

In my case, A shit ton of damage. I still haven't sold MW but the same cannot be said about 2 which I had an account hacked and prestige levels lost!

[Paradox Symphony]

Was MW2 really that successful? I mean, yeah it sold a bunch, but at the same time it did quite a bit of damage to the brand as a whole.

How so? I loved MW2.

[Aggort]

How so? I loved MW2.

I did to, for the first month, then everything got out of hand. Dog rapists, hacked accounts, servers, prestige hack, tons of glitches, etc.

[Savok]

In fairness the damage was done by Activision.

EDIT: Ohhh yeah, that damage. See, if you'd kept up your boycotts you'd of avoided all that like I did.

[Karmakin]

The hacking, the single player, the lack of dedicated servers, etc.

I'm not saying all this is IW's fault. In fact I'd probably guess that a lot of this was out of their control, more or less.

(Personally, I think the complaints about the single player storyline are overblown, but those complaints ARE common)

[Karmakin]

In fairness the damage was done by Activision.

I'm not saying it wasn't. Just that it's standard corporation jive to blame down the food chain for your personal mistakes.

Activision seems to be a company with a serious ego issue right now. They seem to think that they can put out competitive games simply because of the smarts of their head office.

[Hawkzombie]

How so? I loved MW2.

The Marriage is over.

Although I've never played any of the CoD or MW games.

[wyeast]

How so? I loved MW2.

Read the old threads leading up to the day MW2 released. Look up the usernames of the people who posted, chomping at the bit for their copies, and see how the majority of them talk about the franchise now.

MW2 was supposed to be the unstoppable freight train, it had tremendous momentum built up from people who played the shit out of MW (and even WaW).

I guarantee you people are going to be a lot more cautious picking up copies of the next installment of CoD.


I'm not saying all this is IW's fault. In fact I'd probably guess that a lot of this was out of their control, more or less.

I do think a fair portion of this is IW's fault. They drank the koolaid and thought they could do no wrong with MW2. But my utterly baseless opinion is that this is also Activision's fault. They probably put enormous pressure to release the game in a cutthroat manner, with minimal time and resources put into the effort, and even fewer resources to fix the problems after they made all their first-day bank.

[Karmakin]

Oh, and FWIW, I rented MW2 the first week it was out and enjoyed it immensely.

But what wyeast says, it's luster has diminished quite a bit since then.

[Aggort]

Read the old threads leading up to the day MW2 released. Look up the usernames of the people who posted, chomping at the bit for their copies, and see how the majority of them talk about the franchise now.

MW2 was supposed to be the unstoppable freight train, it had tremendous momentum built up from people who played the shit out of MW (and even WaW).

I guarantee you people are going to be a lot more cautious picking up copies of the next installment of CoD.

Described me to a "T" I was pumped for Mw2 and then the hacking and glitces began and then it was one thing after another. I gave it a month off came back and beat a guy who was glitching who got pissed hacked my account and removed some prestige levels. That was my final straw. The game at it's base was great, but they didn't think about the players who'd actually be playing this.

[Gerbs]

Those goons aren't going to help when the guys rushing them are running commando and tac knife.

[Aggort]

Those goons aren't going to help when the guys rushing them are running commando and tac knife.

Or with care packages galore!

[Savok]

Rule of Three time, we've had hired goons and broken PS3 clocks, place your bets on what crazy story appears next.

[wyeast]

Those goons aren't going to help when the guys rushing them are running commando and tac knife.

IW's image would be washed clean in my mind if the surviving employees cut up a bunch of empty water cooler bottles into riot shields, broke out toy knives, and charged the security goons right now. :D

[Press Ninja]

This is just from the comments at Kotaku... but it really seems like something Activision would do.

http://twitpic.com/165x9z

[wyeast]

Rule of Three time, we've had hired goons and broken PS3 clocks, place your bets on what crazy story appears next.

Wasn't Activison clamping down on TSL constituting the 2nd episode of crazy?

The trifecta is complete. :D

[wyeast]

This is just from the comments at Kotaku... but it really seems like something Activision would do.

http://twitpic.com/165x9z
Actually, I would believe this. I heard similar things occurred over another Activision Title.

[Savok]

Wasn't Activison clamping down on TSL constituting the 2nd episode of crazy?

The trifecta is complete. :D
Possibly, but it just doesn't seem insane enough. Are TSL a part of the Mormon church or something? A part time clown school? Only way it'd be crazy enough to me.

[Press Ninja]

Actually, I would believe this. I heard similar things occurred over another Activision Title.

That's what I thought as well. I'm following everything I can and updating at Couchathletics.com.

This is just all sorts of fucked up going on.

[Karmakin]

The first probably was the whole AC2 DRM thing.

[J Arcane]

Actually, I would believe this. I heard similar things occurred over another Activision Title.
Aren't they still fighting with Harmonix over back royalties?

[Press Ninja]

Aren't they still fighting with Harmonix over back royalties?

I actually don't doubt this... I swear I heard that they settled something recently, I just can't find it off the top of my head.

[Darkmatter]

Anyone remember the good 'ol days when EA was the big badguy?

[Press Ninja]

Anyone remember the good 'ol days when EA was the big badguy?

EA seems smalltime compared to some of this... Damn, and I was supposed to be doing homework.

[Hawkzombie]

Anyone remember the good 'ol days when EA was the big badguy?

EA used to be called the Borg of gaming.

http://usera.imagecave.com/cafecafe/JeriRyan-SevenofNine.jpg

We've officially hit the 'Voyager' part of reality.

[Savok]

The first probably was the whole AC2 DRM thing.
Actually yes that would be crazy enough.

[Press Ninja]

Massive Update:
"UPDATE 11:20 PM: It turns out Activision may have showed their hand in this matter earlier today.

In an SEC filing made earlier today, Activision cited a human resources investigation into "into breaches of contract and insubordination by two senior employees at Infinity Ward."

Based on the information we currently have, at least one of those employees may have included Infinity Ward CTO Jason West. It's possible Vince Zampella is the other unmentioned employee.

"This matter is expected to involve the departure of key personnel and litigation," read the Activision's filing. "At present, the Company does not expect this matter to have a material impact on the Company.""

[Savok]

Those indie devs sure are going to flock to them now!

[Acidpoptart]

Update at http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/702911/Security-Appears-Unannounced-At-Infinity-Ward-Studio-Heads-Missing-Staff-Freaked-Out-.html

In an SEC filing made earlier today, Activision cited a human resources investigation into "into breaches of contract and insubordination by two senior employees at Infinity Ward."
Based on the information we currently have, at least one of those employees may have included Infinity Ward CTO Jason West. It's possible Vince Zampella is the other unmentioned employee.
"This matter is expected to involve the departure of key personnel and litigation," read the Activision's filing. "At present, the Company does not expect this matter to have a material impact on the Company."

Yeah, no impact.

I hope that anyone that can afford doing so at IW leaves and starts a new company with the fired execs. They get their freedom back to work on non CoD junk and give a big FU you Activision. I wonder if this story may get picked up in main stream papers or the wall street journal... I am pretty sure some investors would like knowing that the money printing machine is on the fritz.

[Doogie2K]

"Breaches of contract and insubordination?" Geez, that's pretty fucking vague.

[Press Ninja]

"Breaches of contract and insubordination?" Geez, that's pretty fucking vague.

Sounds more to me like they didn't want to drink Activision's kool-aide, and told them to get fucked.

[AgtFox]

Just did some Tweets on this. Was shocked to come back on the computer and see this. Something tells me that something went on behind the scenes and this isn't just over possible upcoming royalty payments and other rumors flying about out there.

You just don't get rid of one (and possibly both) at the top of a powerful established money making studio that just sold $1 billion worth of assets on one game over royalty payments. Something else was probably going on.

[Exodus]

Wow I want to know what's going on...I'm not interested in the drama but the motivation behind this. What the hell is going on?!

Also, what are these MW2 hacks people are talking about? Do I have to worry about it for the PS3?

[AgtFox]

"Breaches of contract and insubordination" could also point towards them attempting to start another company or attempting to buy IW from Activision like Bungie did with Microsoft. Activision didn't like that and threw them out.

Contracts may have had a "you're ours from years blah blah to blah blah". Activision wasn't as nice as Microsoft in this instance if this was the case (and it is pure conjecture by me). Although we could argue Microsoft still controls Bungie's fate, but Bungie isn't feeling the pressure it once was probably.

[Acidpoptart]

My guess is that they refused to do another damn Call of Duty game and wanted to explore new ideas. Activision cares nothing for the happiness of its employees and would will not allow IW to do anything other than CoD.

[OldJadedGamer]

Jason West's Facebook update said he's unemployed now.

[Press Ninja]

"Breaches of contract and insubordination" could also point towards them attempting to start another company or attempting to buy IW from Activision like Bungie did with Microsoft. Activision didn't like that and threw them out.

Contracts may have had a "you're ours from years blah blah to blah blah". Activision wasn't as nice as Microsoft in this instance if this was the case (and it is pure conjecture by me). Although we could argue Microsoft still controls Bungie's fate, but Bungie isn't feeling the pressure it once was probably.

That's a really good point, Fox... That's the rumor that makes the most sense. I'm still digging through the SEC filing, but that's a damn good hunch.

The plot thickens...

[AgtFox]

My guess is that they refused to do another damn Call of Duty game and wanted to explore new ideas. Activision cares nothing for the happiness of its employees and would will not allow IW to do anything other than CoD.
Actually, industry feeling is that Infinity Ward was/is working on a Call of Duty MMO and that they hired some former Sony Online Entertainment people even before MW2 was finished (the latter half is for sure true...Jon L. Davis and Rick Baker are at IW as Senior Programmer and Lead Programmer respectively).

If anything, before now Infinity Ward was as autonomous as Blizzard was in the overall family. Sure, Activision and IW fought, but IW had the credibility and game history to stave off massive micromanaging from Activision.

[Jeffool]

My guess is that they refused to do another damn Call of Duty game and wanted to explore new ideas. Activision cares nothing for the happiness of its employees and would will not allow IW to do anything other than CoD.While completely possible, I'd doubt it. People said the same thing when the crew from left 2015 and started Infinity Ward, but they went from Medal of Honor right to Call of Duty.

Then again, it's not like *I* have any inside info; I'm just sayin'.

heh, Tim Schafer (http://twitter.com/TimOfLegend/status/9865403393) (Brutal Legend, Psychonauts, Grim Fandango, etc.) comments:Getting mad at Activision for this kind of thing is like getting mad at an ape for throwing feces. It's just how the beast communicates.

[OldJadedGamer]

Hope Jason leaves and starts his own company so he can finally be freed of the COD shackles. MW2 was a huge disappointment.

[Hawkzombie]

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy66/Hawkzombie/Stuff/bobbykotick.jpg

[Press Ninja]

Tim Schafer added this little tidbit. "Getting mad at Activision for this kind of thing is like getting mad at an ape for throwing feces. It's just how the beast communicates."

[Hawkzombie]

Tim Schafer added this little tidbit. "Getting mad at Activision for this kind of thing is like getting mad at an ape for throwing feces. It's just how the beast communicates."

That's golden right there.

Honestly, whatever the reasons, I'm hoping Activision gets some kind of fallout from all of this. They let their egos inflate too much, and have been doing so really underhanded things lately...so this would just take the damn cake.

[Exodus]

Hope Jason leaves and starts his own company so he can finally be freed of the COD shackles. MW2 was a huge disappointment.

Really? I find the multiplayer to be the most fun I've had since counter-strike 1.6 pre-source. The controls are spot on something that absolute tripe that I can't even remember the name of that was lauded to be the Halo killer. Single player...I've stopped playing these for single player a long time ago but aye, i'd have to agree on that point. Great basics to get you ready for the MP but that's definitely all it is despite getting you to do the horrific things.

[c0m3d14n]

They're marketing geniuses. People all over the net are actually buying this story as legitimate, talking about "praying for their safety" and shit. Bravo.

i pray iw gets their asses kicked and activison gets sued in response
win-win ;)
sadly i dont see that happening

[Shjinta]

Really? I find the multiplayer to be the most fun I've had since counter-strike 1.6 pre-source. The controls are spot on something that absolute tripe that I can't even remember the name of that was lauded to be the Halo killer. Single player...I've stopped playing these for single player a long time ago but aye, i'd have to agree on that point. Great basics to get you ready for the MP but that's definitely all it is despite getting you to do the horrific things.

Not sure about that, MW 2 for PC takes spray and pray to a whole new fucking annoying level. The MP was pure frustration.

[Exodus]

Not sure about that, MW 2 for PC takes spray and pray to a whole new fucking annoying level. The MP was pure frustration.

Ahhh, i broke down and bought it for the PS3....I know...I know my PC brothers...I have crossed the line...but god dammit I want to kick the shit out of all my friends, my co workers and if they can't come to my home ground then I'll take the fight to them!

The console it's a helluva lot of fun. The controls for it are far better than whatever that other game was called I can't friggin remember that's just how good it was. -_-

[OldJadedGamer]

Really? I find the multiplayer to be the most fun I've had since counter-strike 1.6 pre-source. The controls are spot on something that absolute tripe that I can't even remember the name of that was lauded to be the Halo killer. Single player...I've stopped playing these for single player a long time ago but aye, i'd have to agree on that point. Great basics to get you ready for the MP but that's definitely all it is despite getting you to do the horrific things.

I am a maxed out tenth level prestige player in COD4 and played it constantly for 2 years. MW2... I'm almost at my very first level 70 since I have no desire to keep playing it. It's just horrible and full of glitches, bugs, and they way overdid it with the killstreaks. Like my dad used to tell me, too much of a good thing isn't better. I could sell my MW2 and honestly not think twice about missing it.

If IW was the band Guns and Roses then COD4 was their Appetite for Destruction and MW2 is their Use Your Illusion.

[Exodus]

I am a maxed out tenth level prestige player in COD4 and played it constantly for 2 years. MW2... I'm almost at my very first level 70 since I have no desire to keep playing it. It's just horrible and full of glitches, bugs, and they way overdid it with the killstreaks. Like my dad used to tell me, too much of a good thing isn't better. I could sell my MW2 and honestly not think twice about missing it.

If IW was the band Guns and Roses then COD4 was their Appetite for Destruction and MW2 is their Use Your Illusion.

That's the thing OJG I haven't touched the MP since CoD2 for PC and that's been a decade ago. All of this unlocking stuff that makes it almost an rpg is new to me and refreshing, they've taken the gun game mod and made it into a leveling system. I'm just catching up to what you've been and done already so I guess I'm lucky in this respect ;P

[tacitus]

Ahhh, i broke down and bought it for the PS3....I know...I know my PC brothers...I have crossed the line...but god dammit I want to kick the shit out of all my friends, my co workers and if they can't come to my home ground then I'll take the fight to them!

The console it's a helluva lot of fun. The controls for it are far better than whatever that other game was called I can't friggin remember that's just how good it was. -_-
Personally I am PC centric ... but

I actually prefer folks to buy console versions in this case, since the amount of known issues and total BS with the PC version as well as the initial price gouging.

[itchyeyes]

"Breaches of contract and insubordination?" Geez, that's pretty fucking vague.
And it's not likely to get any less vague. Details of sudden terminations are generally kept pretty confidential, for the sake of all parties involved. While I'm certainly not a fan of Activision, I think people need to keep in mind here that there's undoubtedly a lot more to this story than anyone outside the parties involved really knows.

[tacitus]

And it's not likely to get any less vague. Details of sudden terminations are generally kept pretty confidential, for the sake of all parties involved. While I'm certainly not a fan of Activision, I think people need to keep in mind here that there's undoubtedly a lot more to this story than anyone outside the parties involved really knows.
Yes, its easy to simply see activision as the big ogre, but I have seen a lot of business politics over the years, where there was plenty of ass-hattery on both sides of the table. I have also seen were a really good manager was asked to walk; but this was after years disagreements between him and a parallel manger and the upper level guy had to make a decision.

[TrackZero]

"Breaches of contract and insubordination" could also point towards them attempting to start another company or attempting to buy IW from Activision like Bungie did with Microsoft. Activision didn't like that and threw them out.

Contracts may have had a "you're ours from years blah blah to blah blah". Activision wasn't as nice as Microsoft in this instance if this was the case (and it is pure conjecture by me). Although we could argue Microsoft still controls Bungie's fate, but Bungie isn't feeling the pressure it once was probably.

Exact same conclusion I was coming to catching up on this. ;)

[DoctorFinger]

I updated the OP. And I have to agree with Fox. I'd bet that West was planning to leave IW, Activision caught wind of it and moved to act first.

[cppcrusader]

I updated the OP. And I have to agree with Fox. I'd bet that West was planning to leave IW, Activision caught wind of it and moved to act first.

That's the rumor I'm hearing.

[Telefrog]

Remember, it doesn't matter who you are. You could ship arguably the most successful video game of all time, and Activision will still be in charge. Bobby Kotick scores one for his plan to encourage an environment of fear (http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/activision-ceo-talks-console-less-guitar-hero-turning-fear-into/).

[DoctorFinger]

One thing. The whole "goon" angle has been overblown in some places. It's standard operating procedure in corporate environments to have security on hand when terminating an employee.

[Gorvi]

One thing. The whole "goon" angle has been overblown. It's standard operating procedure in corporate environments to have security on hand when terminating an employee.
Especially when it's high profile. We had someone like that leg go recently and they did the same thing, it's SOP.

[paketep]

Fairly shitty? CoD4 and MW2 put it way ahead of shitty.

But Treyarch is another story

CoD4 no, MW2 is almost the perfect definition of shitty.

[RandoM51]

Kind of entertaining how everybody is jumping all over Activision even though they don't know anything conclusive about what is going on.

If I were to make a guess, it would be that these two individuals were trying to start up a new company, gutting IW in the process---something that is probably a direct breach of contract---and got caught.

...you think Activision wants to mention HR problems in their SEC filings? lol.

[AgtFox]

Kind of entertaining how everybody is jumping all over Activision even though they don't know anything conclusive about what is going on.
I'm not jumping on them, so the term "everybody" is incorrect. I'm just putting guesses out there at what might have happened.

[National Kato]

One thing. The whole "goon" angle has been overblown in some places. It's standard operating procedure in corporate environments to have security on hand when terminating an employee.

Precisely. You don't terminate someone and mention possible litigation and then allow the guy to pack up his office, where software code and sensitive documents abound, without hired security standing over his shoulder. It's just not done.

Activision is taking the standard precautions.

[TrackZero]

If I were to make a guess, it would be that these two individuals were trying to start up a new company, gutting IW in the process---something that is probably a direct breach of contract---and got caught.

I wonder just how their plans got leaked. It'd be pretty low brow for a co-worker to go rat them out to HR/Activision.

[MachEnergy]

Described me to a "T" I was pumped for Mw2 and then the hacking and glitces began and then it was one thing after another. I gave it a month off came back and beat a guy who was glitching who got pissed hacked my account and removed some prestige levels. That was my final straw. The game at it's base was great, but they didn't think about the players who'd actually be playing this.

So it's all about people knowing how much you've played the game and not about the enjoyment you had in the process? This is coming from a person who has never prestiged once (in either MW), because I only play it every so often. But I find it odd that you would play the game over and over and over and over and when somebody removes a few of your "start overs", that would make you quit. Is the game not fun anymore?

[AgtFox]

I wonder just how their plans got leaked. It'd be pretty low brow for a co-worker to go rat them out to HR/Activision.
We'll probably never know.

[Xerxes]

I wonder just how their plans got leaked. It'd be pretty low brow for a co-worker to go rat them out to HR/Activision.

They should have just "flipped out" asked "who's coming with me" and left. I'm sure they would of been better for it. The IW family would of probably followed, and those that loved Activision so much would of stayed and pulled a Team Ninja. Live off the remains...

[wyeast]

I wonder just how their plans got leaked. It'd be pretty low brow for a co-worker to go rat them out to HR/Activision.
Considering some of the shenanigans going on at other studios, it would pretty much be par for the course.

So it's all about people knowing how much you've played the game and not about the enjoyment you had in the process? This is coming from a person who has never prestiged once (in either MW), because I only play it every so often. But I find it odd that you would play the game over and over and over and over and when somebody removes a few of your "start overs", that would make you quit. Is the game not fun anymore?
Many people who prestige take their time invested seriously. With the negative XP hack, people were losing weeks worth of work in one round because of some jackass who's doing it just to grief. Is it the only reason to ragequit? Maybe not, but it drives home the point that the game is buggy/glitchy/hacked to death, and the culmination of that is to swallow the pill of disappointment.

[RandoM51]

I wonder just how their plans got leaked. It'd be pretty low brow for a co-worker to go rat them out to HR/Activision.

Be a hard call to make from the outside, I'd think.

This is all hypothetical at this point but if I were working there and I saw these two people trying to tear the company apart I might have a word with Activision myself.

Loyalty and solidarity are fine ideals but when it comes to my own livelihood and that of my family, guess who comes first? It sure isn't a couple of suits unhappy with the contracts they signed.

[TrackZero]

They should have just "flipped out" asked "who's coming with me" and left. I'm sure they would of been better for it. The IW family would of probably followed, and those that loved Activision so much would of stayed and pulled a Team Ninja. Live off the remains...

onRbNsxRBVQ

[Telefrog]

Bobby Kotick: Those fuckers at IW want to get paid!? Get me HR on the phone!

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/activision-holding-back-mw2-royalties

The emerging spat between Activision and the heads of Infinity Ward may have been caused by unpaid royalties.

[DoctorFinger]

They should have just "flipped out" asked "who's coming with me" and left. I'm sure they would of been better for it. The IW family would of probably followed, and those that loved Activision so much would of stayed and pulled a Team Ninja. Live off the remains...I'd bet a bunch that this is exactly why Activision did this now. West & Zampella were probably starting to send out feelers to the talent at IW about forming a new studio, Activision caught wind of it, and moved preemptively.

Which is funny considering that Activision's newest studio (Sledgehammer) was founded by the former heads of Visceral Games when they did just that late last year. Ironic.

[Psykoboy2]

One thing. The whole "goon" angle has been overblown in some places. It's standard operating procedure in corporate environments to have security on hand when terminating an employee.

Shit...I do that with exes when they move out.

[J Arcane]

One thing. The whole "goon" angle has been overblown in some places. It's standard operating procedure in corporate environments to have security on hand when terminating an employee.
Is it standard procedure to have them looming silently around the office after the terminated persons are absent?

[Gorvi]

Is it standard procedure to have them looming silently around the office after the terminated persons are absent?
Yes, it is, actually. Depending on the way the person who was let go took it, that's pretty common. We had a state trooper at our front door for a good 6 weeks after we had a particular employee let go.

[DoctorFinger]

Bobby Kotick: Those fuckers at IW want to get paid!? Get me HR on the phone!

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/activision-holding-back-mw2-royaltiesBe careful. If you read the Bingegamer story Eurogamer and VG247 linked to, they had to amend much of their story because they got a lot of easy to check facts wrong. IW is wholly owned by Activision and so is the Call of Duty IP. There was no chance either the studio or the property were going anywhere, although the people at the studio may have left.

So anything from Bingegamer's "source" is suspect.

[DoctorFinger]

Is it standard procedure to have them looming silently around the office after the terminated persons are absent?Depends on the situation.

But do you know that they were hanging around afterwards? Or is all of this just snowballing out of control?

[AgtFox]

Yeah, starting to sound like my theory might be correct. Remember, 2015 left EA and 22 workers created Infinity Ward who created a game not unlike Medal of Honor: Allied Assault. Would not be surprising if they were thinking of bolting again only to start a new franchise with basically the same type of gameplay.

Now I'm not sure what publisher they may or may not have been talking to. I'd think the EA door would be closed, so that would leave something like Ubisoft, Zenimax and THQ unless they were barking up the big boys tree with Microsoft.

[AgtFox]

Depends on the situation.

But do you know that they were hanging around afterwards? Or is all of this just snowballing out of control?
I do think the "goon" angle may be overblown a bit. However, I would not think it out of the ordinary for security to be around in case the fired employee decides to come back to get their things and the like. They wouldn't want said ex-employee(s) to talk to any co-workers inside the workplace.

Also, the MW2 engine is an internal proprietary one. I'm going to guess Activision doesn't want the ex-employee(s) to be able to copy said engine in order to make their own. That would also go with "breach of contract and insubordination".

[J Arcane]

Depends on the situation.

But do you know that they were hanging around afterwards? Or is all of this just snowballing out of control?
I may just be reading too much into it, but it was the impression I got from the vague way events were described.

[Jeffool]

Which is funny considering that Activision's newest studio (Sledgehammer) was founded by the former heads of Visceral Games when they did just that late last year. Ironic.I think it's funnier when you consider that these two guys are two of the originals who left 2015 after making Medal of Honor: Allied Assault (the highest rated MoH game, and the first on PC,) and founded Infinity Ward. Now they're leaving IW and -- well, we don't know. But I think it'd be bliss if EA set them up with a new studio (for a nominal contract of X years or Y games,) and they rebooted the MoH series. Hell, does EA still have any games left games left on their contract with Spielberg? THAT would be awesome. AND ironic.

[AgtFox]

But I think it'd be bliss if EA set them up with a new studio (for a nominal contract of X years or Y games,) and they rebooted the MoH series. Hell, does EA still have any games left games left on their contract with Spielberg? THAT would be awesome. AND ironic.
They already are rebooting Medal of Honor with EA LA at the helm of the singleplayer and DICE at the helm of the multiplayer side. Due out this year.

[Jeffool]

... Oh.
(Too short.)

[AgtFox]

... Oh.
(Too short.)
Here's the homepage for the new game (http://www.medalofhonor.com/). This was announced late last year, I think not long after MW2 released.

[DoctorFinger]

It sounds nice, but there's no way West & Zampella will give up control of whatever their next IP is, so it's unlikely EA will help them set up a studio. Which also assumes that they won't have any legal problems with Activision stemming from this split.

[ElektroDragon]

More reasons Activision must be destroyed. How can we accomplish the destruction of this evil company? Someone else will publish Diablo III eventually. Never understood why Blizzard/Vivendi don't have the controlling share anyway, or if they do, why they don't take advantage of it.

I hope everyone at IW quits over this....the whole crew. With the pool of talent there, their job opportunities are secure no matter what.

[J Arcane]

Vivendi does have the controlling share, at 52%.

However, as part of the deal, Activision got to take over management of basically everything in their collective portfolio. Official statements claim they're supposed to keep their hands off of Blizzard, but with some recent events I'm not sure I believe it.

[Yeti2005]

Bobby Kotick: Those fuckers at IW want to get paid!? Get me HR on the phone!

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/activision-holding-back-mw2-royalties

That's a short but interesting article.

The report also states that the "insubordination" IW bosses Jason West and Frank Zampella appear to have been sacked for was caused by secret discussions with rival publishers.

Infinity Ward partially owns the rights to the Call of Duty IP, and the studio's contractual obligations to Activision end October 2010, the report pointed out.

Activision probably crapped their pants when they heard those guys were talking to another publisher. Why do I see a "pay by bullet" COD MMO released by Activision in our future?

[Savok]

With the goons, well Kotick himself said he wanted his employees living in fear.

[Bone]

Also, the MW2 engine is an internal proprietary one. I'm going to guess Activision doesn't want the ex-employee(s) to be able to copy said engine in order to make their own. That would also go with "breach of contract and insubordination".It says it's id software tech on the loading screen. Granted there is significant work added to make it CoD but the engine is id tech.

[AgtFox]

It says it's id software tech on the loading screen. Granted there is significant work added to make it CoD but the engine is id tech.
I think it still uses id Tech at some level, but it is technically IW 4.0. I don't think IW ever purchased anything past id Tech 3.

[mister slim]

That's a short but interesting article.



Activision probably crapped their pants when they heard those guys were talking to another publisher. Why do I see a "pay by bullet" COD MMO released by Activision in our future?

That article is incorrect, as Infinity Ward is fully owned by Activision. It's possible the contracts with West and Zampella expire in October though.

[cppcrusader]

Kind of entertaining how everybody is jumping all over Activision even though they don't know anything conclusive about what is going on.

If I were to make a guess, it would be that these two individuals were trying to start up a new company, gutting IW in the process---something that is probably a direct breach of contract---and got caught.

...you think Activision wants to mention HR problems in their SEC filings? lol.

This is the talk I've been hearing.

[AgtFox]

Vince is out as well it seems according to his LinkedIn update (thanks to 1Up (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3178175) for the pic):

http://www.1up.com/media/03/7/9/4/lg/978.jpg

Under his name is TBD and no longer Studio Head/CEO of IW

[Hawkzombie]

Be a hard call to make from the outside, I'd think.

This is all hypothetical at this point but if I were working there and I saw these two people trying to tear the company apart I might have a word with Activision myself.

Loyalty and solidarity are fine ideals but when it comes to my own livelihood and that of my family, guess who comes first? It sure isn't a couple of suits unhappy with the contracts they signed.

There's a difference between thinking of your future, and ignoring any and all prior loyalties.

I'm not saying that in that situation everyone should be all gung-ho about leaving, but if you've worked with the guys for years, know them, and know they'd (I'm assuming of course) never do something like this without reason...you'd at least give them the respect to let them go about their business.

Sure your job will remain secure, but do you have to affect theirs as well? Putting out feelers is a LOT different than outright recruiting. It's happened to me once or twice, and I simply just shook my head, said thanks, wished em luck, and forgot it ever happened. Just ratting them out seems like you care more about the parent company than you do the supervisor, who's technically not done anything wrong.

I know you care about shareholders more than employees or customers, but for me it's more of a moral decision to rat someone out for something like that. *shrug*

[Exodus]

Vivendi does have the controlling share, at 52%.

However, as part of the deal, Activision got to take over management of basically everything in their collective portfolio. Official statements claim they're supposed to keep their hands off of Blizzard, but with some recent events I'm not sure I believe it.

I dunno but if I was activision I wouldn't fuck with the golden calf that shits brick houses of gold.

[DoctorFinger]

Leigh Alexander (http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=27482) is reporting that the break may have been due to IW's desire to work on another IP before going back to Modern Warfare.

Back in early 2008 while still basking in the glow of MW1, IW negotiated a deal with Activision which made them the sole developers of the Modern Warfare branch of the CoD property. Activision can set other studios up to develop other CoD games (like World at War and this fall's cold war-set game) but IW is the only one who does MW. They also got Activision to agree to let them develop a new IP after MW2. Supposedly IW wanted to work on that new IP before going back to Modern Warfare, even though Activision is desperate for as many CoD games as possible. (Activision has confirmed that the newly formed Sledgehammer Games is working on another CoD game at the moment). The thing is Activision's contract with IW says they have to let them work on the new IP after MW2.

So the accusations of insubordination may be a tool to install new management at Infinity Ward who would start MW3 before the new IP.

Crazy if true.

[Spectre-7]

I dunno but if I was activision I wouldn't fuck with the golden calf that shits brick houses of gold.

But see, if you were Activision, you'd fuck with anything you could cram your massive money-engorged cock into. That's just the nature of the beast.

[AgtFox]

Thought I said this earlier, but it is a well known rumor that IW has been working on a CoD MMO since they hired a couple former SOE designers even before MW2 came out. I said this many posts ago.

Anyway, it could be that Activision wanted MW3 started and done before CoD MMO figuring there will be more quick profits in the short term. Who knows though, I still like my idea.

[Ghostbear]

Updated the story with Activision's press release about the Call of Duty franchise.

[Update #3] - Activision-Blizzard has put out a press release (http://investor.activision.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=448656) with their plans for the franchise. Some interesting tidbits: The company is also for the first time announcing that a new game in the*Call of Duty*series is expected to be released in 2011 and that Sledgehammer Games, a newly formed, wholly owned studio, is in development on a*Call of Duty*game that will extend the franchise into the action-adventure genre


The*Call of Duty*business unit will be led by Philip Earl, who currently runs Activision Publishing's Asia Pacific region and previously served in senior executive positions with Procter & Gamble and Nestle. Activision Publishing veterans Steve Pearce, chief technology officer and Steve Ackrich, head of production, will lead Infinity Ward on an interim basis. Jason West and Vince Zampella are no longer with Infinity Ward.

[DoctorFinger]

Thought I said this earlier, but it is a well known rumor that IW has been working on a CoD MMO since they hired a couple former SOE designers even before MW2 came out. I said this many posts ago.

Anyway, it could be that Activision wanted MW3 started and done before CoD MMO figuring there will be more quick profits in the short term. Who knows though, I still like my idea.
I thought Activision hired the former SOE guys, not Infinity Ward.

[AgtFox]

I thought Activision hired the former SOE guys, not Infinity Ward.
If you look up their LinkedIn profiles they both have IW as they current employer. There was a rumor after MW2 came out that they were looking into bringing on more SOE employees...maybe that's where the confusion is.

[MagGnome]

And on topic: I think this is hilarious how the gaming community is all 'OMFG' over themselves. It's not like this is the first (and it certainly won't be the last) time something like this has happened. Granted, it's on the heels of a 'successful' game so it's a bit out of character, but who knows, honestly.

I am constantly amazed at how surprised so many gamers are when things like this happen. As if Activision firing people is somehow shocking, no matter what studio those people work at. I also love the fact that they are bringing in people from Nestle and P&G to run things.

Of course it's all cool, as they are just looking out for the interests of their shareholders. Who cares how soulless the games are as long as they make money, right guys? Activision should just fire the whole creative team (if there is one) and replace them with marketing.

[Spectre-7]

Activision should just fire the whole creative team (if there is one) and replace them with marketing.

*full body chill*

Ugh. I've worked at that company. The horrors...

[MagGnome]

EA seems smalltime compared to some of this... Damn, and I was supposed to be doing homework.

Activision is definitely at the top of the evil heap now, but they have a ways to go before they hit the level of douchebaggery that EA was at from the mid-90s to the early-00's.

[Exodus]

I am constantly amazed at how surprised so many gamers are when things like this happen. As if Activision firing people is somehow shocking, no matter what studio those people work at. I also love the fact that they are bringing in people from Nestle and P&G to run things.

Of course it's all cool, as they are just looking out for the interests of their shareholders. Who cares how soulless the games are as long as they make money, right guys? Activision should just fire the whole creative team (if there is one) and replace them with marketing.

It might not mean shit to you but this is like sports teams to me. Don't demean the fact that this is news to me please!

[MagGnome]

It might not mean shit to you but this is like sports teams to me. Don't demean the fact that this is news to me please!

Obviously this is news. I never said it wasn't. I just think it's odd that some people are so surprised that Activision would do something like this. It seems par for the course to me.

Edit - For the record, I don't care one iota about professional sports, so that analogy doesn't mean a whole lot to me. :p


*full body chill*

Ugh. I've worked at that company. The horrors...

I spent 3.5 years working for a large financial company, where I became intimately familiar with corporate shenanigans. I don't plan on ever working for that kind of company ever again.

[Exodus]

Edit - For the record, I don't care one iota about professional sports, so that analogy doesn't mean a whole lot to me. :p

That's the thing I don't give a shit about professional sports either. This is my professional sports. Savvy? I'm going to be surprised every time.

[CptTripps]

I played COD for the MP aspect mostly and imo BC2 destroys it. Nothing could have pried COD4 from me, MW2 i'm not that into, I think there are too many high powered killstreak rewards that promote sniping/camping, the things I enjoy least in a game.

On topic, if this is true I have mixed feelings. I'm sorry for the guys losing their job but; I hope they will be given the freedom elsewhere and be allowed to make the descisions that matter.

[Hawkzombie]

That's the thing I don't give a shit about professional sports either. This is my professional sports. Savvy? I'm going to be surprised every time.

It's like being surprised someone who has arms like tree trunks is found out to be using steroids.

[Exodus]

It's like being surprised someone who has arms like tree trunks is found out to be using steroids.

To you it is you can't tell me what it is to me that's what I'm trying to say and I'm still trying to figure out if you're listening or trying to force your point of view on me.

Jesus christ.

[Hawkzombie]

To you it is you can't tell me what it is to me that's what I'm trying to say and I'm still trying to figure out if you're listening or trying to force your point of view on me.

Jesus christ.

Well...I'm kinda using it as a generalization. Sports fans would probably not be surprised by the news that X player is on the 'roids if he suddenly went from a .250 avg to a .400 and his arms went from 27cm to 40cm or something ridiclious. It's par for the course, especially given what has happened in the past (as well as with Activision). Just saying. If you wanna get excited and jizz in your pants over this, more power to ya. I'm just saying it's not something that most people who actually pay attention to these things get as excited over. It wasn't directed specifically at you.

[Exodus]

Well...I'm kinda using it as a generalization. Sports fans would probably not be surprised by the news that X player is on the 'roids if he suddenly went from a .250 avg to a .400 and his arms went from 27cm to 40cm or something ridiclious. It's par for the course, especially given what has happened in the past (as well as with Activision). Just saying. If you wanna get excited and jizz in your pants over this, more power to ya. I'm just saying it's not something that most people who actually pay attention to these things get as excited over. It wasn't directed specifically at you.

You can take my words as an exaggeration sure. I'm not exactly hopping crazy over this but from a writer and journalist point of view this is news. If you think I'm jizzing my pants and that makes you happy go nuts...it's pretty wierd of you but..sure.

This, is news. I don't go into a news thread expecting to read '*yawn* who cares, this happened with EA' I came here curious about it and wanted to learn more. If you call that jizzing your pants then I call the whole '*yawn*' being a fuckwad. :)

p.s. - I'm jizzing my pants.

And yes, I have been reading gaming news for a long time even before CoG when we were all patriots of Evil Avatar, gamasutra and kotaku. That doesn't change how I see it just because it's happened before. I'm sorry if you've lost interest in such things but I am a curious person. I like having my facts straight. as to it being no surprise to you why even post. -_-

[Hawkzombie]

See, not once has anyone ever said this isn't news. We said it's not surprising.

[MagGnome]

To you it is you can't tell me what it is to me that's what I'm trying to say and I'm still trying to figure out if you're listening or trying to force your point of view on me.

Jesus christ.

Oh my!

I think you need to sit back and take a deep breath.

[TheEpicOfTyler]

So, does everyone still think those of us who made a point of not buying Activision games are being dumb or something?

[wyeast]

So, when do we get Hammered Dulcimer Call of Hero? World of DJcraft?

Man, I just threw up a little in my mouth. :(

[Telefrog]

See, not once has anyone ever said this isn't news. We said it's not surprising.

Wha-? Not surprising? :confused:

Let's ignore the fact that Activision is evil and Bobby Kotick is the Devil incarnate. The fact that the two heads of arguably one of the most successful game franchises of all time just got shitcanned over what seems to be a corporate pissing match is actually pretty surprising in both a straight business sense and as game industry news.

When a company like GRIN closes shop, no one is surprised because it makes financial and logical sense. This situation only makes sense if you are intimately familiar with the internal politics of Activision and IW - which as it turns out, no one, not even the folks at IW, knew as well as they thought they did.

I know it's cool to act noncommittal and aloof on the internet, but you really don't have to try so hard. I mean, you weren't actually predicting this news weeks ago, were you?

[Hawkzombie]

I know it's cool to act noncommittal and aloof on the internet, but you really don't have to try so hard. I mean, you weren't actually predicting this news weeks ago, were you?

It's odd, yes. As I stated in a previous post...it's weird that they'd can two heads right on the heels of a pretty successful game. However, this sort of thing happens all the time, and honestly while I think it's interesting and certainly note/newsworthy...I don't find it shocking or surprising. Newsworthy =/= Instant Surprise. It's a corporate change up. If this were to happen in something other than video games, like say...Mrs. Field's Cookies, no one would care or be as 'shocked'. Whatever the reasons, we can speculate all we want, but the cold hard facts aren't as surprising as one might imagine. Honestly, all the speculation makes for a better read than the actual facts.

I'm not being aloof, I'm merely reacting in a normal manner to the fact Activision's canned two heads of a company, which was wholey under the Activision brand, NOT a company they were merely overseeing, but one they owned outright. *shrug* I guess you can blame all my shock and awe being wasted in the 90s with EA.

[Spectre-7]

I know it's cool to act noncommittal and aloof on the internet, but you really don't have to try so hard.

Meh. Whatever.

[Savok]

Oh for christ sake.

Look, this isn't that surprising BECAUSE Activision is evil and Kotick is the devil, this shit is known. Kotick's terrorizing of his staff isn't some Internet invention, he's fucking proud of it.

We're non-committal or whatever because some of us wrote the whole god damn publisher off ages ago. This is how the beast communicates.

[Paradox Symphony]

So what happened since i left guys? This place grew five pages since yesterday.

[Hawkzombie]

So what happened since i left guys? This place grew five pages since yesterday.

I professed my undying love for you, but it was a one time offer.

[Paradox Symphony]

I professed my undying love for you, but it was a one time offer.

Is it still on the table?

[Exodus]

So because it's known I can't be surprised, I can't say that rat bastard because...hey it's just what activision does.

complacency. You guys belong in the very much dying unions of today! cheerio! :D

[Paradox Symphony]

So because it's known I can't be surprised, I can't say that rat bastard because...hey it's just what activision does.

complacency. You guys belong in the very much dying unions of today! cheerio! :D

Activision deploys muscular bouncers and invade officies? This is normal?

[Generation ABXY]

So what happened since i left guys? This place grew five pages since yesterday.

Oh, you're in for a surprise...or maybe not.

Activision deploys muscular bouncers and invade officies? This is normal?

I think he'd agree with you; it's everyone else who sees this as unsurprising.

[OUX]

I get the sense that a lot of people view large companies as anime super villains. Very few people are fired without reason because companies really hate lawsuits. If they are claiming breach of contract they probably have evidence of it in triplicate.

[Hawkzombie]

So because it's known I can't be surprised, I can't say that rat bastard because...hey it's just what activision does.

complacency. You guys belong in the very much dying unions of today! cheerio! :D

Since when am I being complacent?

I really want to read the memo I missed about how News = Surprise and when News = No Surprise = Complacency.

I don't like Activision. I never have (especially recently) but that doesn't make what happens here shocking or 'OMG SURPRISE' or even unexpected. It's just news. Sorry I can't get all bent out of shape over it :p I get bent out of shape in other ways, and just because I don't show a ton of emotion over this, doesn't mean I'm giving Activision (Or IW) a free pass through complacency. I really don't know where the miscommunications are happening, but I can't be any clearer than this: This is news. This is worth talking about. But in my opinion, it's not worth getting worked up over.

[Paradox Symphony]

I get the sense that a lot of people view large companies as anime super villains.

Ubisoft: WE'RE BLASTING OFF AGAIIIINNNNN

[Hawkzombie]

Ubisoft: WE'RE BLASTING OFF AGAIIIINNNNN

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy66/Hawkzombie/Stuff/activision.jpg

[MagGnome]

I'm not being aloof, I'm merely reacting in a normal manner to the fact Activision's canned two heads of a company, which was wholey under the Activision brand, NOT a company they were merely overseeing, but one they owned outright. *shrug* I guess you can blame all my shock and awe being wasted in the 90s with EA.

That's pretty much where I stand. Giant game publishers firing studio heads, shutting down studios, and/or running franchises into the ground ceased to be surprising after EA did it multiple times a decade ago. It still sucks when it happens to a studio or franchise that I care about, but it's not particularly mind-blowing.


We're non-committal or whatever because some of us wrote the whole god damn publisher off ages ago. This is how the beast communicates.

That's a good point as well. I haven't given one iota about Activision in ages. Honestly, it's hard for me to think of a single game that they've ever released that I truly care about. I'm not trying to sound aloof or anything when I say that. It's just that Activision tends to release games in genres that I don't much care for, such as sports, FPS, and rhythm games. It also doesn't help that they have a history of running franchises into the ground. See Tony Hawk and Guitar Hero as prime examples, with Call of Duty arguably in that club as well.

[J Arcane]

This is a whole lot of words to describe an incredibly simple conceptual distinction.

[MagGnome]

This is a whole lot of words to describe an incredibly simple conceptual distinction.

Isn't it? I think it's a rather silly thing to argue about, but that didn't stop me from jumping in. :D

It's no sillier than a lot of the stuff that people argue about on here, but it is pretty pointless.

[Deadend]

I expect to see a bunch of new IPs from Activsion in the next couple years, as CoD is being run into the ground, Guitar Hero has been that way and WoW is completely static, with some money from Starcraft 2.

Activision is basically fucking themselves over by screwing talent and treating games as product/commodity, not as forms of Art that can be profitable.

[Savok]

Welcome to modern business, where everyday's a fire sale and there is no tomorrow. In the event there is a tomorrow, well he'll just have to find some other place to gut.

[Hawkzombie]

Call of Warcraft - Modern Guitars

[Narradisall]

Call of Warcraft - Modern Guitars

SOLD!

Please don't drag my beloved Blizzard into this. It's not his fault he married into the wrong family and ended up with an evil red-haired twin as a brother in law.

[jpublic]

I get the sense that a lot of people view large companies as anime super villains. Very few people are fired without reason because companies really hate lawsuits. If they are claiming breach of contract they probably have evidence of it in triplicate.

You might be surprised by the thin excuses corporations can come up with to fire someone within the bounds of the contract.

I've seen some pretty wacky stuff.

[OUX]

You might be surprised by the thin excuses corporations can come up with to fire someone within the bounds of the contract.

I've seen some pretty wacky stuff.

Oh, I never said they weren't creative or wily. Just that they could prove whatever it is they were claiming. Or at least think they have a strong enough case to not fear a wrongful firing.

[AgtFox]

Obviously, we have a timely interview with Sledgehammer Games' Glen Schofield on many topics, including the announced Call of Duty game here (http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?t=15987).

Hoping it gets picked up by other websites, please pimp as much as possible. This is about as exclusive as we have ever had.

[J Arcane]

For some on topic discussion, Activision says Infinity Ward is still central to their CoD plans. (http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/alleged-activision-memo-infinity-ward-remains-central-to-call/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+weblogsinc%2Fjoystiq+%28Joyst iq%29)

[DylonCorp]

Call of Warcraft - Modern Guitars

I'll wait for World Tour III.

[AgtFox]

For some on topic discussion, Activision says Infinity Ward is still central to their CoD plans. (http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/alleged-activision-memo-infinity-ward-remains-central-to-call/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+weblogsinc%2Fjoystiq+%28Joyst iq%29)
Yeah, as far as I know IW is still working on a CoD MMO.

[Hawkzombie]

Obviously, we have a timely interview with Sledgehammer Games' Glen Schofield on many topics, including the announced Call of Duty game here (http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?t=15987).

Hoping it gets picked up by other websites, please pimp as much as possible. This is about as exclusive as we have ever had.

Grats on that...that's pretty damn awesome man.

[MagGnome]

Obviously, we have a timely interview with Sledgehammer Games' Glen Schofield on many topics, including the announced Call of Duty game here (http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?t=15987).

Hoping it gets picked up by other websites, please pimp as much as possible. This is about as exclusive as we have ever had.

Congrats! The IM Podcast has had some exclusive interviews as well. :)

[AgtFox]

Jason and Vince have filed suit against Activision for unpaid monies and the like according to Joystiq (http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/ousted-infinity-ward-founders-file-suit-against-activision/).

[J Arcane]

Kotaku's story has some words from the guys: (http://kotaku.com/5485295/infinity-ward-founders-suing-activision-over-unpaid-royalties?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kotaku%2Ffull+%28Kotaku%29)

West and Zampella are coming out swinging. "We were shocked by Activision's decision to terminate our contract," Jason West says. "We poured our heart and soul into that company, building not only a world class development studio, but assembling a team we've been proud to work with for nearly a decade. We think the work we've done speaks for itself."

"After all we have given to Activision, we shouldn't have to sue to get paid", Zampella adds.

They're also apparently suing for the rights to the Modern Warfare name.

Go get 'em guys. Nail them to the fucking wall until the beg for mercy.

[Xerxes]

I get the sense that a lot of people view large companies as anime super villains. Very few people are fired without reason because companies really hate lawsuits. If they are claiming breach of contract they probably have evidence of it in triplicate.
I really do.

Activision deploys muscular bouncers and invade officies? This is normal?
Or it could of just been run of the mill security to make sure the guys didn't run up to their office and take anything. Heard of that before.

Oh for christ sake.

Look, this isn't that surprising BECAUSE Activision is evil and Kotick is the devil, this shit is known. Kotick's terrorizing of his staff isn't some Internet invention, he's fucking proud of it.

We're non-committal or whatever because some of us wrote the whole god damn publisher off ages ago. This is how the beast communicates.
CoD was actually the only thing I ever bought from them. So most likely now I'm doing my part to kill Activision. O_o

I'd bet a bunch that this is exactly why Activision did this now. West & Zampella were probably starting to send out feelers to the talent at IW about forming a new studio, Activision caught wind of it, and moved preemptively.

Which is funny considering that Activision's newest studio (Sledgehammer) was founded by the former heads of Visceral Games when they did just that late last year. Ironic.
Seems like you are these guys, you say just fuck it and fall where the wind blows. It's like almost certain their next gig will be a good one.

Hell, does EA still have any games left games left on their contract with Spielberg? THAT would be awesome. AND ironic.
I think he had three, made bloom box, and they shut down the studio that was making another. Think it's up in the air now.

Here's the homepage for the new game (http://www.medalofhonor.com/). This was announced late last year, I think not long after MW2 released.

That game looks hot.

[OldJadedGamer]

Has Activision ever won a lawsuit btw?

[AgtFox]

Has Activision ever won a lawsuit btw?
I know of at least one that was dropped: Courtney Love's lawsuit against them for the use of Kurt Cobain in GH5. I'm sure there are others.

Oh yes, Gibson lost one of its patent suits for Guitar Hero, although they sued everyone in that case. They had another patent lawsuit against Activision that was settled out of court.

[Spectre-7]

"After all we have given to Activision, we shouldn't have to sue to get paid", Zampella adds.

But Activision's all like...

aDEdKzAZgko

Don't worry, though. I'm pretty sure Jason and Vince will return their Everlasting Gobstoppers and find out it was all a test. They'll be floating around in the Wonkavator in no time.

[Hawkzombie]

Don't worry, though. I'm pretty sure Jason and Vince will return their Everlasting Gobstoppers and find out it was all a test. They'll be floating around in the Wonkavator in no time.

Or be sung out in a really catchy tune by tiny orange men.

[Spectre-7]

Or be sung out in a really catchy tune by tiny orange men.

Oompa Loompa
doompadee doo.
I've got another
Puzzle for you.
Oompa Loompa
doompadah dee.
If you are wise
You'll listen to me.

What do you get
when you make a hot game?
A bundle of cash
and some well deserved fame?

No, your tossed out the door
by security goons,
Served your walking papers
And martinis at noon.

But who gets all my royalties?

Oompa Loompa
doompadee dah.
If you're a jerk
then you will go far
You will live in happiness too
Like the
Oompa
Loompa
doompadee do!

[MagGnome]

That was beautiful, Spectre.

[Hawkzombie]

That was beautiful, Spectre.

Seriously. That was just inspired, man.

[Crowe]

Truly awesome Spectre.

[Xydarc]

Oompa Loompa
doompadee doo.
I've got another
Puzzle for you.
Oompa Loompa
doompadah dee.
If you are wise
You'll listen to me.

What do you get
when you make a hot game?
A bundle of cash
and some well deserved fame?

No, your tossed out the door
by security goons,
Served your walking papers
And martinis at noon.

But who gets all my royalties?

Oompa Loompa
doompadee dah.
If you're a jerk
then you will go far
You will live in happiness too
Like the
Oompa
Loompa
doompadee do!
You win the thread.

[Spectre-7]

Sank you, sank you. I be here all ze veek. :)

[Paradox Symphony]

I am now a fully matured shemale, bless you Spectre