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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

  • topgamer101

    More than likely publicity stunt considering the day, and if it is everyone involved should be shoved out a 10 story window. This crap really needs to stop.

    That being said Xplay isn't in the habit of putting up false information. They are simply reporting on rumors, something every stupid 24 hour news network does too.

    If for some reason something serious did happen, then it ought to get much more interesting.

    Posted: March 1, 2010 8:39 PM
    topgamer101
  • haveacookie

    Viral add for DLC i my guess. New map / minicampaign inside their office building?

    Posted: March 1, 2010 8:35 PM
    haveacookie
  • Torinir

    Does this mean they're gonna fire 402? PLEASE?!?

    Posted: March 1, 2010 8:32 PM
  • nightsnipe

    yes no more copy paste FPSs'

    Posted: March 1, 2010 8:31 PM
    nightsnipe
  • popsickle59

    OMG this honestly sounds like Die Hard and not a game dev office. Geez, I knew Activision was controlling, but inciterating subordinates, that's harsh

    Posted: March 1, 2010 8:31 PM
    popsickle59
  • itsAsatchel

    haha if i was one of the security guys i wouldve said...and remember no russian

    Posted: March 1, 2010 8:25 PM
    itsAsatchel
  • zenmastersamuraimonk

    when i was reading this i was picturing some guy frantically texting messages in secret in order to not get caught.

    Posted: March 1, 2010 8:25 PM
    zenmastersamuraimonk
  • balss248

    sounds like a viral ad for dlc, save infinity ward

    Posted: March 1, 2010 8:24 PM
    balss248
  • TravD

    Wow, this has been one surreal day in the world of video games...

    Posted: March 1, 2010 8:23 PM
    TravD
  • Mystyr_E

    "Next week on an all new 24, Jack Bauer infiltrates the headquarters of Infinity Ward only to find the surprise of a lifetime"

    "Oh my god...everybody move!"

    "Next week on Fox!"

    Posted: March 1, 2010 8:23 PM
    Mystyr_E
  • asherdelampyr

    If Vince Russo did this then in 2 weeks there would be some wierd splinter group of developers that spend all day being jerks and ruining the industry :P

    Posted: March 1, 2010 8:22 PM
    asherdelampyr
  • Cancersigns

    At first I thought this was a joke, a month early April Fools day prank?

    I doubt it now. Well at least there is no mention of anyone being armed.

    Posted: March 1, 2010 8:21 PM
    Cancersigns
  • theLast_Knight

    First, the PS3s go haywire, and now this....

    What's next? Nintendo Wiis breathing fire and Kevin Pereire taking over X-Play??

    This just might as well be the gamer's version of the End of the World.

    Posted: March 1, 2010 8:21 PM
    theLast_Knight
  • Gamelife1

    What the hell is going on with video game industry. First the ApocalyPS3 and now this. Kratos got it right when he said "in the end their will only be choas."

    Posted: March 1, 2010 8:21 PM
    Gamelife1
  • amoakopoku

    "Infinity Ward and Activision lately as "tense.""....Job security? Whenever the workplace gets tense and workers get "freaked out" and "confused." I lead toward somebody getting fired or a new contract is being made....

    Posted: March 1, 2010 8:21 PM
    amoakopoku
  • RPG-fan

    Maybe it was a bunch of angry PC gamers who didn't like it when Infinity Ward ditch the dedicated servers for the PC version of MW2. Or it could be another company, maybe EA, trying to lure IW studio heads. Those bouncers just lied and said "yes, we are from Activision."

    Posted: March 1, 2010 8:17 PM
    RPG-fan
  • Count_Giraffe

    Activision is shooting themselves in the foot if they screw over Infinity Ward. Infinity Ward saved Activision's butt during the holiday season considering NOBODY bought DJ Hero, Band Hero or Tony Hawk Ride. I just hope IW comes out okay.

    Posted: March 1, 2010 8:16 PM
    Count_Giraffe
  • KYLECONNER13

    They deserve it. Activision probely killed them sence Battlefield Bad Company 2 is going to kick Modern Warfare's ass.

    Posted: March 1, 2010 8:14 PM
    KYLECONNER13
  • PiercingNoize

    Yep, indeed a very odd day to be a gamer.

    Posted: March 1, 2010 8:13 PM
    PiercingNoize
  • XwingVmanX

    I really want to know what has happened. Come on Patrick! You need to stay up all night giving us up to the minute details! lol

    Posted: March 1, 2010 8:13 PM
    XwingVmanX

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