Evil publisher Activision has responded to this morning’s news that ex-Infinity Ward bosses Jason West and Vince Zampella with an official statement, expressing “disappointment” over the decision, and essentially painting the fired studio bosses as the villains of the piece. Looks like this is going to get worse before it gets better, kids.
Activision is disappointed that Mr. Zampella and Mr. West have chosen to file a lawsuit, and believes their claims are meritless. Over eight years, Activision shareholders provided these executives with the capital they needed to start Infinity Ward, as well as the financial support, resources and creative independence that helped them flourish and achieve enormous professional success and personal wealth.
In return, Activision legitimately expected them to honor their obligations to Activision, just like any other executives who hold positions of trust in the company. While the company showed enormous patience, it firmly believes that its decision was justified based on their course of conduct and actions. Activision remains committed to the Call of Duty franchise, which it owns, and will continue to produce exciting and innovative games for its millions of fans.
You’ve got the love the bitter little stab at the end, where Activision affirms that it “owns” Call of Duty. Regardless of Activision’s statement, the whole situation was revealed in such a controversial and frankly bizarre way that it’s difficult for the publisher to come out of this one smelling clean, and this is just round one in what is sure to be months of sh*t flinging.
