Activision, Infinity Ward trial ends with last minute settlement

The ongoing legal battle between Activision and Infinity Ward founders Vince Zampella and Jason West may end in a last minute settlement before the trial commences this Friday, as lawyers from both sides were in private talks this week. [Update: It appears the case has indeed come to an end, as numerous reports indicate that the suit has been settled and will not go to trial. According to a Tweet from Polygon's Michael McWhertor, West and Zampella's lawyer said, "We have reached a settlement in this matter as to all parties and all claims. Dismissals will be filed soon." While the actual terms of the settlement have not been disclosed, it appears Activision has paid off West and Zampella at least in part, as it noted in an official statement that it does not expect "one-time charges related to the settlement" to have a material impact on its earnings in the current quarter or fiscal year. The company noted that its strong performance last quarter will help it offset the charges it incurred in the settlement.] In March 2010, West and Zampella were fired from Infinity Ward, the Activision subsidiary studio that created the multi-billlion-dollar Call of Duty franchise, with the publisher accusing the two of "insubordination." After being fired, the pair quickly filed a lawsuit against Activision for breach of contract. The lawsuit is set to go to court this Friday, June 1. However, the L.A. Times reports that the pretrial, which was meant to begin on May 29, has been delayed multiple times as attorneys for both parties look to cut a deal before the trial officially begins. Judge Elihu Berle has given all parties until 1:30 pm today, May 31, to try to reach a settlement before Friday's scheduled start. Numerous documents have been published in the run up to the trial, shedding light on the pair's growing tension with Activision's management that led up to their firings.