They’ve helped the two ”flourish and achieve enormous” success and wealth, and in return expected them to ”honor their obligations” to Acti.
”Activision is disappointed that Mr. Zampella and Mr. West have chosen to file a lawsuit, and believes their claims are meritless,” said a company statement, reports Kotaku.
”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.”
”In return, Activision legitimately expected them to honor their obligations to Activision, just like any other executives who hold positions of trust in the company. While the company showed enormous patience, it firmly believes that its decision was justified based on their course of conduct and actions.”
Internal Activision memos claim that Zampella and West were in talks with rival publishing firms and even chatting with Infinity Ward developers about possibly joining a new independent studio, effectively poaching talent.
”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,” they added.
The two ex-Infinity Ward bosses are now seeking damages of $34 million and control of the Modern Warfare brand, which Activision tightly helms. The two executives were fired on Monday for as of yet undisclosed ”insubordination,” cited by Activision.
