Modern Warfare developers file lawsuit against Activision
Following the recent news that Activision fired Vince Zampella and Jason West, Modern Warfare lead developers at Infinity Ward, comes word that the pair (hereafter referred to as Z&W) have fired back with a massive lawsuit alleging some pretty astounding things.
According to the suit, Activision promised Z&W control over Infinity Ward, creative control over post-Vietnam and Modern Warfare Call of Duty games, and royalties for Modern Warfare 2, then found ludicrous excuses to fire the pair in order to get out of making those payments. They say CEO of Activision Bobby Kotick and his evil minions launched an investigation of Z&W shortly after the release of the game, refused to explain the point of the investigation to the men, and gave about six hours for them to respond to the allegations.
Additionally, the plaintiffs allege they were threatened with insubordination if they were to console other employees brought to tears by investigators. Particularly startling is this excerpt from the suit, which alleges Activision interrogated Z&W for six hours in a windowless room:
Amazing, Activision, just amazing. The plaintiffs are seeking $36 million in damages, money for unpaid royalties and bonuses, control of the Modern Warfare franchise, and for Activision to be prevented from making further Call of Duty games set post-Vietnam.
[...] franchise, and heads of Infinity Ward, the studio behind the game. That was quickly followed by a mighty lawsuit from the pair, who alleged they were harassed out of the company, ostensibly so that Activision [...]