![Former Infinity Ward bosses sue Activision, company responds [Update]](http://i.neoseeker.com/n/6/infinity_ward_thumb.png)
After being fired by owner Activsion, former Infinity Ward bosses Jason West and Vince Zampella are taking action, filing a lawsuit against the publisher.
Sadly, it seems that news about the developers not being paid royalties is a cause for concern, and then some:
"Activision has refused to honor the terms of its agreements and is intentionally flouting the fundamental public policy of this State (California) that employers must pay their employees what they have rightfully earned," said [West and Zampella's] attorney Robert Schwartz. "Instead of thanking, lauding, or just plain paying Jason and Vince for giving Activision the most successful entertainment product ever offered to the public, last month Activision hired lawyers to conduct a pretextual 'investigation' into unstated and unsubstantiated charges of 'insubordination' and 'breach of fiduciary duty,'which then became the grounds for their termination on Monday, March 1st."
West and Zampella are equally frank, expressing their disappointment it's come to this.
"We were shocked by Activision's decision to terminate our contract," said West. "We poured our heart and soul into that company, building not only a world class development studio, but assembling a team we've been proud to work with for nearly a decade. We think the work we've done speaks for itself."
Zampella added, "After all we have given to Activision, we shouldn't have to sue to get paid."
The Call of Duty series has generated over $3 billion in sales for Activision. Infinity Ward's lawsuit includes claims of breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, wrong termination in violation of public policy, and declaratory relief.
Activision believes it's safe, and according to a leaked internal memo, wants to get its hands on "documents regarding West and Zampella's communications with Activision's competitors, including but not limited to Electronic Arts," as well as anything related to planned Call of Duty titles.
Update: Activision has released its first statement on the matter, saying they're also dissapointed. Yeesh, this is like a bad breakup. Read it below.
"Activision is disappointed that Mr. Zampella and Mr. West have chosen to file a lawsuit, and believes their claims are meritless," said an Activision spokesperson. "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," the statement continues, "Activision legitimately expected them to honor their obligations to Activision, just like any other executive who holds a position 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."
Update 2: West and Zampella are seeking over $36 million in damages.
Update 3: Schwartz says "any suggestion [West and Zameplla] were in talks with EA (or any other company) to leave or start their own team is known to Activision to be completely false and, therefore, an irresponsible comment for Activision to be making. They are fishing, and there are no fish in the sea."
Source:Press release
Alternate Source:G4tv.com
Sections:Console Games, PC Games
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