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Activision Counter-Suing Ex-Call Of Duty Developers
After a ton of drama last month climaxing in fired Infinity Ward heads Jason West and Vince Zampella suing Activision, things went relatively quiet while lawyers were put into motion behinds the scenes. Today, act two of this complicated story begins, as Activision has officially filed a counter-suit against West and Zampella.
The Los Angeles Times reports the news of the counter-suit, which was filed this morning. In the 23-page complaint, Activision alleges that West and Zampella were trying to take Infinity Ward away from the publisher entirely:
"West and Zampella's misdeeds formed an unlawful pattern and practice of conduct that was designed to steal the [Infinity West] studio, which is one of Activision's most valuable assets -- at the expense of Activision and its shareholders and for their own personal financial gain."
Elsewhere, Activision accuses the duo of having flown on a private jet to meet with "the most senior executives of Activision's closest competitor." More than likely correct in their assumption that EA is the company being references, the L.A. Times asked for comment and received the following incredibly brutal burn from EA spokesman Jeff Brown: "We don't have the time to comment on the many lawsuits Activision files against its employees and creative partners."
The counter-suit also confirms our suspicions that Activision was upset at West and Zampella for delaying the production of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. The publisher does not specify an amount of money that they're pursuing, but they say they should be able to withhold any money that they might yet owe West and Zampella.
This whole affair is dirty and only looking to get dirtier. We'll update with more information as it's available.
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