Fans of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 are used to dramatic battles, but a war of words emerging this week could determine the future of one of modern videogaming's most successful franchise.
Modern Warfare 2 co-creators Jason West and Vince Zampella, fired for alleged insubordination on Tuesday in a surprise move that shocked the entire industry, filed a strongly worded lawsuit with a California court today.
The filing described Activision as demonstrating "astonishing arrogance and unbridled greed," and accuses the company of terminating the pair in order to avoid paying them "substantial" royalties from last year's Modern Warfare 2 release, heralded as the biggest launch in entertainment history.
"Instead of thinking, lauding, or just plain paying Messers. West and Zampella for giving Activision the most successful entertainment product ever offered to the public," the filing says, "last month Activision hired lawyers to conduct a pretextual 'investigation' into unstated and unsubstantiated charges of 'insubordination' and 'breach of fiduciary duty.'"
The pair are seeking -- among other things -- damages in excess of $36 million, and a restoration of their rights to the Call of Duty franchise.
In turn, Activision described the pair's claims as "meritless," and insists it showed "enormous patience" before making its decision. The company also took the opportunity to reassert its ownership of the colossally successful Call of Duty franchise.
"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," the company said in a press release. "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."
Looks like this battle is just getting started.
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