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Vince Zampella and Jason West file a lawsuit against Activision demanding creative control over the Modern Warfare brand...
Following the controversy at Infinity Ward earlier this week, the developer's two departed studio heads, Vince Zampella and Jason West have now filed a lawsuit against Activision in an attempt to gain creative control over the Modern Warfare brand and reclaim unpaid royalties from the release of Modern Warfare 2.
According to the announcement, West and Zampella's contracts were terminated by Activision weeks before they were scheduled to receive substantial royalty payments for Modern Warfare 2. Activision, on the other hand, maintains charges of "insubordination" and "breaches of contract" against the pair.
"Activision has refused to honour 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 pre-textual '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."
Now, here's where it gets interesting: the announcement clearly makes reference to Modern Warfare and Call of Duty as two separate brands. While Modern Warfare 2 was initially promoted without a link to the Call of Duty label, Activision later added the Call of Duty brand to the game's box in what some pundits have dubbed a brand awareness decision.
In addition to this, West and Zameplla are apparently claiming that Activision had previously handed over creative control of the Modern Warfare brand to Infinity Ward. As departing studio heads, West and Zampella appear to be claiming that this creative control over Modern Warfare now lies with them.
"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."
"After all we have given to Activision, we shouldn't have to sue to get paid," added Zampella.
Rumours have suggested that West and Zampella had attempted to pitch an original IP to a rival publisher, which is why they were fired by Activision. Much of this remains as speculation at this time, although it would explain Activision's breach of contract claims.
On the other hand, West and Zampella's lawsuit against Activision includes, "claims for breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, wrong termination in violation of public policy, and declaratory relief."
We certainly don't envy the judge that's got to get to the bottom of these proceedings...
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Modern Warfare 2
Game Information
Available On:
PC, 360, PS3
| Release Date: | Players: |
|---|---|
| Out Now | Online |
| Publisher: | Genre: |
| Activision Blizzard | FPS |
| Developer: | PEGi Rating: |
| Infinity Ward | 18+ |
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Added:Sat 29th Jan 2011 15:47, Post No: 848
DOES ENYONE NO HOW TO GET ME EVERYTHING UNLOCKED
Added:Sat 29th Jan 2011 15:45, Post No: 847
WHO WANTS TENTH PRESTIGE FOR FREE?
10 PEOPLE
Added:Sat 29th Jan 2011 15:43, Post No: 846
WHO WANTS TO GET 10TH PRESTIG FOR FREE PS3
Added:Fri 29th Oct 2010 23:37, Post No: 845
its an 18 asthats the age teens turn into adults or at least thats what the law says however as most 18 yearolds dont behave in a mature manner thses days i could well see this going up to 21 like in america.
Added:Fri 29th Oct 2010 09:37, Post No: 844
i dont know why it an eighteen though, its practically the same as modern warfares
Added:Tue 26th Oct 2010 15:53, Post No: 843
moder warfare 2 rules !!! the best game of cod yet man they should start making them 15s again man the 18 certifecate sucks :( well black ops should be a 15 coz infinity ward are out of business so its treyarch now man hoorah!!!
Added:Mon 20th Sep 2010 11:59, Post No: 842
Why stop at 21 :)
Added:Mon 20th Sep 2010 11:20, Post No: 841
post 840 are you deliberatly trying to act like a retard, i said the age should be put upto 21 at least then some parents might reconsidder purchase for there spoilt children.
Added:Sun 19th Sep 2010 17:03, Post No: 840
Strange it says 18 on my COD:MW2 box
Added:Sat 18th Sep 2010 22:11, Post No: 839
shouldnt be a 15, dam stupid kids playing adult games "no wonder the jamie bulger murder happend and similar murders are still happening" KIDS SHOULD NOT PLAY FPS GAME PERIOD, the age rating should be put upto 21.