When the former heads of Call of Duty developer Infinity Ward said last week that they would address their creative futures “very soon,” they weren’t kidding. Today, Jason West and Vincent Zampella officially announced the formation of their new company, Respawn Entertainment.
“For the past decade we led a great development team and poured our hearts into creating an epic game franchise,” Zampella said in a statement. “We’re very proud of what we built – and proud that so many millions of fans enjoyed those games. Today we hope to do it all over again — open a new studio, hire a great team, and create brand new games with a new partner, EA.”
Catch that last bit? It seems Activision’s suspicions about Zampella and West secretly meeting with EA while under Activision’s employ were entirely accurate. EA Games label president Frank Gibeau said of the deal, “This is the start of a great publishing partnership – one that I expect will develop blockbuster game franchises. Jason and Vince are two of the top creative leaders in the entertainment industry. At EA, we’re honored to be their partners and to give them the support they need to hire a team and return to making incredible games.”
We were already expecting the Activision/Infinity Ward battle to rage mightily in court, and this latest news will surely tack on a few hundred degrees more of intensity. Adding to the fire too is the fact that Respawn proudly trumpeted that it will have complete control over its intellectual properties.
“We’re excited. Now that the team is in control of the games and brands, we can ensure that the fans are treated as well as they deserve,” said Respawn Entertainment president West.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the first title from Respawn should be out in two to three years. Expect to hear plenty more about this story as it continues to develop.
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mengplex
Lets hope most of the old IW employees switch over and leave activision with nothing
banodyne
No, they won't be making a Medal of Honor game. The point of all this is that they want to own and control their own IP. Wish they weren't doing it at EA but there's not a lot of choices of who could finance the kind of big budget games they're known for.
Ruscle
EA without any spokesperson saying stuff have really rallied the troops for this one. I wait to see what these guys will send our way. Just hope it isn't another Modern Camper 3. Respawn Entertainment...I wonder if Todd Alderman and Francesco Gigliotti are gonna throw a resume over there. Hey Jake can u be a good journalist and find that out. Would be great to know. You guys rock keep up the good work.
NortheastMonk
Considering the better shooter is coming from their studios. This is going to be a nice wait and see type of thing.
gravy666
This was about as surprising as Pigma turning out to be a bad guy.
Pwnproof
this is great news for the EX-wards, EA and gamers who but EA games! about 3 years ago i remember saying BOOOO about EA (madden's)and over the past couple of years they really have done better at trying to do whats right.
Project_Alice
It's great to hear that they were able to create a new company, even though I've never been too big a fan of EA I'll definitely keep an eye on Respawn Entertainment.
wootman69
I literally clapped when I saw the headline. Then, I realized I was clapping. I'm ready for a kickass new IP.
Variand
Doesn't this move only strengthen Activision's countersuit? Granted I understand that these legal battles can often last years before reaching a settlement/conclusion, but just seems to me like they should have waiting a couple more months to announce as to have less impact on the lawsuits.
I like the new company's name though. Fragged by Activision, respawn at EA... lets just hope Activision doesn't spawn-kill them.
SilverJC
Lord!!!! Now the battle of the franchises will begin. At least we know who's gonna pay the legal bills for Jason and Vince, Activision is not liking any of this.
Makes me happy the fact those hitlers should be angry. But EA can say that they had contact with Jason and Vince after they got fired. This doesn't prove those claims from Activision.
JDarkley
Yeah, nobody saw this coming.
I'm just wondering if they will make the next Modern Warfare or if Activision will still hold the rights to Call of Duty. I guess the courts will decide that.
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