X

TheFeed

UPDATE: Security Appears At Infinity Ward, Studio Heads Missing, Activision Investigating "Insubordination"

pklepek
223 Comments

Posted March 1, 2010 - By pklepek






Modern Warfare 2 GamesCom 2009 Co-Op Preview

UPDATE 12:02 AM: Double Fine's Tim Schafer, who had his own troubles with Activision over the release of Brutal Legend, recently commented on Twitter about what's happening between Infinity Ward and Activision.

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

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

In an SEC filing made this morning, Activision cited a human resources investigation 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 filing. "At present, the Company does not expect this matter to have a material impact on the Company."

UPDATE 11:11 PM: Infinity Ward community manager Robert Bowling has vaguely addressed the situation.

"I should also say, while I appreciate all the calls, tweets, messages and hearing my ringtone a lot," said Bowling on his Twitter account, "they're in vain - as I have no info."

UPDATE 10:07 PM: More developments on the situation at Infinity Ward have come to light.

A screen shot surfaced from Infinity Ward CTO Jason West's Facebook page at Kotaku with the status update "Jason West is drinking. Also, unemployed." I can confirm from a source that's friends with West that update did actually come from West's account.

West also updated his Linkedin profile to appears to reflect a change in employment. 

"President/Game Director/CCO/CTO Infinity Ward
January 2001 – March 2010 (9 years 3 months)"

While this doesn't yet provide much insight into what actually happened at Infinity Ward, it confirms there are changes afoot at the Call of Duty developer. As soon as I know more, you'll know more.

UPDATE: Security Appears Unannounced At Infinity Ward, Studio Heads Missing, Staff

ORIGINAL STORY: Something's happening at Infinity Ward right now.

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."

The mood around the Infinity Ward offices is currently described as "freaked out" and "confused."

"We just wanna make our games," said my source.

I've contacted Activision for comment on the ongoing situation at Infinity Ward. Stay tuned.

Have something to share? Sitting on a news tip? E-mail me. You can also follow me on Twitter.

UPDATE: Security Appears At Infinity Ward, Studio Heads Missing, Activision Investigating "Insubordination"
http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/702911/update-security-appears-at-infinity-ward-studio-heads-missing-activision-investigating-insubordination/
http://files.g4tv.com/ImageDb3/173682_S/Modern-Warfare-2-GamesCom-2009-Co-Op-Preview.jpg
BlogThread_702911

Comments are Closed

  • XwingVmanX

    One thing after another today lol

    What is Activision the gaming Mafia? "If you do not make my game then I break your legs!" Maybe the "tension" has something to do with IW not wanting to making Modern Warfare 3, yet, and focus on a different project.

    Posted: March 1, 2010 7:55 PM
    XwingVmanX
  • bugmenot150

    "I hope everyone one is okay." What exactly are you imagining is happening over there?

    Did the cat died?

    Posted: March 1, 2010 7:55 PM
    bugmenot150
  • sirrogue2

    /popcorn
    Might be interesting...

    Posted: March 1, 2010 7:55 PM
    sirrogue2
  • Moose91

    Footage from inside IW: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =-qxBXm7ZUTM

    Posted: March 1, 2010 7:53 PM
    Moose91
  • HazelrahFiver

    Sounds correct to me, a publicity stunt. Wish I had an interest in either franchise, would get some anticipation in me to play.

    Posted: March 1, 2010 7:52 PM
    HazelrahFiver
  • nightmare ally

    what the crap no the mob has its hand on the video game ind.!

    Posted: March 1, 2010 7:52 PM
    nightmare+ally
  • califbob

    Vegas Baby!

    Posted: March 1, 2010 7:52 PM
    califbob
  • kidshaline

    Okay:
    1. PSN network fail.
    2. Portal Bible-code madness.
    3. Infinity Ward hostile take-over.

    What is the fourth horseman of the gamepocalypse?

    Posted: March 1, 2010 7:51 PM
    kidshaline
  • SecretAsian

    This week is getting weirder and weirder

    Posted: March 1, 2010 7:51 PM
    SecretAsian
  • Colorwind

    PS3 Epic Fails, Portal sends cryptic messages in morris code and now a Mobster-esc situation at Infinity Ward? This day is getting crazy sauce! Even if there's no actual violence, IW doesn't seem to be feeling safe. Not good for company morale, Activision.

    Posted: March 1, 2010 7:51 PM
  • zskins26

    @Magopus6
    Are you trying to be funny or did someone really just trick you? Hans Gruber was the bad guy from the second Die Hard pal. Nakatomi Building was the name of a PC Die Hard game.

    Posted: March 1, 2010 7:51 PM
    zskins26
  • Champ18

    Sounds like a "No Russian" moment almost happened

    Posted: March 1, 2010 7:49 PM
    Champ18
  • SecretAsian

    This week is getting weirder and weirder.

    Posted: March 1, 2010 7:48 PM
    SecretAsian
  • bmackisback

    I have to agree, talk about a banner day. First the PS3 Leap Year Glitch now the 'clean up crew' outside the Infinity Ward studios. WOW!

    Posted: March 1, 2010 7:48 PM
    bmackisback
  • Adrian_L_B

    Looks like we need the special forces in to come to do a rescue. Stay frosty

    Posted: March 1, 2010 7:47 PM
    Adrian_L_B
  • Zombine1729

    Holy crap. That sounds crazy.... so weird..

    Posted: March 1, 2010 7:47 PM
    Zombine1729
  • zozero

    Financial dispute possibly? Maybe one of the heads at Activision/Blizzard realized that they wanted a 7th summer vacation home and sent their thugs out to collect. Or Infinity Ward vs. Activision MW2 multiplayer match got out of hand and now Actvision is throwing a tantrum because they lost...yes.

    Posted: March 1, 2010 7:47 PM
    zozero
  • drshakaIou

    what the heck? I'M really freaked out by this... WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!?!

    Posted: March 1, 2010 7:47 PM
    drshakaIou
  • SteveKB

    that's what those guys get XD jkjk

    Posted: March 1, 2010 7:46 PM
    SteveKB
  • pklepek

    Just to be clear: this is not a publicity stunt or a joke.

    Posted: March 1, 2010 7:46 PM
    pklepek

ADVERTISEMENT

Blog Tags

g4tv.com
  • Best Nude Scenes in Video Games

    Posted: June 29, 2009

    1,371,611 Views | 03:12

  • International Sexy Ladies Show: Messy Cat Fight

    Posted: January 27, 2010

    425,566 Views | 00:49

  • Sara Underwood's Naked Bike Ride

    Posted: June 22, 2011

    1,022,254 Views | 05:20

  • Solidoodle 2 3D Printer

    Posted: June 21, 2012

    144,717 Views | 03:14

  • International Sexy Ladies Show: Staircase To Heaven

    Posted: January 22, 2010

    311,124 Views | 00:42

AdChoices