While the future of developer Infinity Ward remains unknown, one analyst believes Activision will close the studio in the near future. Analyst Mike Hickey of Janco Partners says in his latest report to investors Activision will shut down the studio after the release of the second Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 map pack.

"Continued defections from their Infinity Ward studio have created meaningful uncertainty around the future of their Call of Duty: Modern Warfare franchise," Hickey wrote. "A reported 26 developers have left the studio behind, with an original studio size of roughly 100. It was revealed yesterday that 38 Infinity Ward employees filed a lawsuit against Activision over royalties and alleges that they were held 'hostage'."

"We expect Infinity Ward studio will be essentially closed after their next map pack release, with development work on Modern Warfare 3 spread between two studios not historically tied to the franchise," he added.