Relations between Activision and Call of Duty creators Infinity Ward has been tense over the last few years, with the developer not being to happy about how the franchise has been handled.
Activision filed a statement with SEC (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission):
"The Company is concluding an internal human resources inquiry into breaches of contract and insubordination by two senior employees at Infinity Ward. This matter is expected to involve the departure of key personnel and litigation. At present, the Company does not expect this matter to have a material impact on the Company."
Jason West, game director on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, and fellow lead developer Vince Zampella, were called to a meeting with Activision and subsequently security guards showing up at the offices (presumably to make sure the two executives did not return to work). It is unclear if there will be more fallout from the situation, but expect things to remain stormy at Infinity Ward.
Double Fine's Tim Schafer, who recently was involved in a bit of legislation with Activision offered the following calming words on his twitter:
"Getting mad at Activision for this kind of thing is like getting mad at an ape for throwing feces. It's just how the beast communicates."
I think Tim is suggesting a crate of bananas would put the Activision brass in line. Time for Dole to step up and save the day!