Post: Activision To Shut Infinity Ward
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04-28-2010, 05:05 PM
#1
Caspa
Retired Mod
According to analyst Mike Hickey, Activision will shut down Infinity Ward after the creation of the second map pack for Modern Warfare 2. He also predicts that Modern Warfare 3 development will be handled by 2 completely different studios.
Originally posted by CVG
"Continued defections from their Infinity Ward studio have created meaningful uncertainty around the future of their Call of Duty: Modern Warfare franchise," he said in an investor note.
"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."
"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."
The studios future has been put in serious question after the resignation of over a quarter of it's 100 or so employees, most of who have been confirmed to be joining West and Zampella's Respawn Entertainment studio.
It has also emerged that 38 current and ex Infinity Ward staff are suing Activision for various reasons, mainly claims for un-paid bonuses, with suggested amounts between $75 and $125 million dollars. However, they are aiming to claim "at least in the additional amount of $75 million to $500 million as an award for punitive damages," according to the lawsuit.
The sum was calculated by:
- Unpaid bonuses from 2009 and 2010 sales generated by Modern Warfare 2 -- fourth quarter 2009 and first quarter 2010, specifically.
- Bonuses "due and owing to them" past first quarter 2010.
- "Bonus/royalty/profit participation" related to "technology/engine" royalties, "other special performance bonuses," "other studio bonuses" or "any other bonus/royalty/profit participation."'
- Lost value on "restricted stock units" that Activision "promised" would vest (read: own it in your own name and purchase it from Activision) when Modern Warfare 2 sales eclipsed Modern Warfare 1, which "has long ago occurred."
- Money owed as it relates to Modern Warfare 2 "sister games, including but not limited to" the oft-mentioned Modern Warfare 3, "if Modern Warfare 3 is ultimately delivered and marketed."
- Interest rates related to the above sums of money.
- Unpaid bonuses from 2009 and 2010 sales generated by Modern Warfare 2 -- fourth quarter 2009 and first quarter 2010, specifically.
- Bonuses "due and owing to them" past first quarter 2010.
- "Bonus/royalty/profit participation" related to "technology/engine" royalties, "other special performance bonuses," "other studio bonuses" or "any other bonus/royalty/profit participation."'
- Lost value on "restricted stock units" that Activision "promised" would vest (read: own it in your own name and purchase it from Activision) when Modern Warfare 2 sales eclipsed Modern Warfare 1, which "has long ago occurred."
- Money owed as it relates to Modern Warfare 2 "sister games, including but not limited to" the oft-mentioned Modern Warfare 3, "if Modern Warfare 3 is ultimately delivered and marketed."
- Interest rates related to the above sums of money.
Activision "look forward to getting judicial confirmation that our position is right." I certainly hope they're right, because they have alot to lose.[/COLOR]
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The following 11 users say thank you to Caspa for this useful post:
04-28-2010, 05:16 PM
#3
Caspa
Retired Mod
Originally posted by rjive
Interesting... any official press release from ATVI? If you haven't looked I'll go check. :p
Yeah they said a few words, same old waffle though. I quoted the most interesting point from what they said right at the end.
Originally posted by another user
"Activision believes the action is without merit. Activision retains the discretion to determine the amount and the schedule of bonus payments for MW2 and has acted consistent with its rights and the law at all times. We look forward to getting judicial confirmation that our position is right."
04-28-2010, 05:19 PM
#4
Wing-Echeplon
unknown
haha sucks for activision, i'm guessing other 2 new studios as in Treyarch and Trearch 2? they both suck ass
04-28-2010, 05:48 PM
#8
nextgengamesftw
Grunt
Originally posted by Echeplon
haha sucks for activision, i'm guessing other 2 new studios as in Treyarch and Trearch 2? they both suck ass
I doubt it as they article states the 2 companys are not historically tied to the franchise.
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