Spoiler!
Some very sinister goings on are going down at Infinity Ward. According to insider sources, a number of security personnel have appeared at Infinity Ward's offices unannounced, at Activision's behest. In a very tense atmosphere, "bouncer-types" have been standing outside the studio and have not been telling a worried staff why they're there.
"Everyone is on edge," says an anonymous employee. "We just wanna make games."
Infinity Ward studio heads Vince Zampella and Jason West are said to have been meeting with Activision CEO Bobby Kotick and have not been seen by anybody else at IW since. Apparently, people at Infinity Ward are "freaked out" by the disturbances. It's being said that the situation isn't violent, but that things have been "tense" between the studio and publisher for a while.
Right now, we know nothing about the scenario but we will keep you updated. So far, this is looking very, very strange indeed.
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Spoiler!
UPDATE 11:20 PM: It turns out Activision may have showed their hand in this matter earlier today.
In an SEC filing made earlier today, Activision cited a human resources investigation into "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 Activision's 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.
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Short version:
Some shits going down with Activision and Infinity Ward.
Arg...I want Modern Warfare 3 and Prototype 2...
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