Activision Had Infinity Ward Staff "In Tears" News

According to the details of Jason West and Vince Zampella's lawsuit against Activision, which was filed on Wednesday, the two departed Infinity Ward studio heads were "interrogated" in a "windowless conference room" for six hours as part of a recent Activision investigation.

The lawsuit claims that the investigation began in February of this year and was conducted by Activision's Chief Human Resources Officer, Ann Weiser, and the publisher's Chief Public Policy Officer, George Rose.

According to West and Zampella, "Activision investigators brought other Infinity Ward employees to tears," during the proceedings before threatening the then studio heads with charges of "insubordination" for consoling them.

At this stage, precisely why the investigation took place is unknown, although West and Zampella's lawsuit states that the investigators claimed to be looking into "breaches of contract" and "violations" of company policy at Infinity Ward.

The investigators are also alleged to have stated that West and Zampella, "should have a clear understanding of what they have or have not done," when the pair asked for more information on the nature of the proceedings.

G4 claims to have obtained an internal Activision legal memo calling for any documents within the company, "regarding West and Zampella's communications with Activision's competitors, including but not limited to Electronic Arts".

Rumour and speculation has previously indicated that West and Zampella may have been courting third-parties prior to their dismissal by Activision. On a more official note though, Activision has released the following statement on the matter to a number of press outlets:

"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 honour 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."

More as we get it...