So Activision is counter-suing Jason West and Vincent Zampella. We've told you about EA's snarky commentary on the situation, but let's get down to brass tacks. What the hell is going on here? Espionage, betrayal and backstabbing, that's what!
According to Activision's new 23-page complaint, "West and Zampella's misdeeds formed an unlawful pattern and practice of conduct that was designed to steal the [Infinity Ward] studio, which is one of Activision's most valuable assets -- at the expense of Activision and its shareholders and for their own personal financial gain."
The two men are accused of going "on a secret trip by private jet to Northern California, arranged by their Hollywood agent, to meet with the most senior executives of Activision's closest competitor." Who's in Northern California? EA is in Northern California. Makes that lack of a comment thing even a bigger slap in the face, doesn't it?
West and Zampella's lawyer has called these accusations a load of crap, but not in so many words. Actually, in many, many more words.
Activision fires back at ex-Call of Duty developers, calling them 'self-serving schemers' [Updated] [LA Times]
Contest:
11:00 PM on 04.10.2010
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Damn good thing I don't give two shits about Infinity Ward!
Though, still not sure if this beats Anthony Burch and his turbo-suing of Gaijin Games...
Just kidding, this is a very funny court case, though.
Spy: Uh, they want to move to ea once you contract with them expires.
Activision; FUCK, we can't let our cash cow go like that! Bring in the lawyers that can accuse them of some shit so we can fire the heads!
Is it pleasant? No. Just? Maybe not. Likely? Very.
How can West and Zampella be sued for talking to another company? If your contract is up, then can't you shop yourself around?
Another move could be the developers quit and make a new studio, but that actually is very inconvenient unless they got another publisher.
You know, like EA.
"The suit also claims that the pair delayed pre-production on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, which Activision likely hopes to release in late 2011."
Wakka wakka!
MARK MY WORD.
biatch
you can play either side
and it has online multiplayer to sue or counter sue with all your friends
Can anyone else imagine Vince and Zempella talking in a Solid Snake-like voice over a codec to some EA execs?
I mean honestly, how long does he wants to put up this circus? And I couldn't careless about the damn shareholders....who the hell are they anyway?
I can see it now: "BAM! Battlefield Bad Company 3, thanks DICE!"
The only thing that pops up in my head is, "Yeah, so?" xD
West and Zampella are clearly violated their contract, so i'm sure they'll lose this case.
Does that mean I support activision? Not in the slightest. But when a company puts ALOT of funding into you, you have an obligation to fufill your contract you make with them.
Besides, it's not like West and Zampella are starving for cash.
If I were to secretly sell off my developer to a rival publisher I sure as hell wouldn't use traceable funds from my current publisher.
West and Zampella shouldn't lose this case, for the time being Activision's claims have no substance, they flew to North Cali...imagine if you flew somewhere...came back and lost your job.
Granted, if their aim was to keep these guys and IW from running to EA or going independent, umm, welL:
that's my "How much I love EA meter" going up.