Activision: IW Founders' Allegations 'Meritless'

Activision says it's "disappointed" by the lawsuit filed by ousted Infinity Ward co-founders Jason West and Vince Zampella, and calls the pair's allegations about the publisher's misconduct as "meritless". The former heads of the Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare studio filed a suit with the Los Angeles County Superior Court accusing the company of "[terminating] their employment weeks before they were to be paid substantial royalty payments as part of their existing contracts for Modern Warfare 2." Their lawsuit also includes claims of breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, wrongful termination in violation of public policy, and declaratory relief. Infinity Ward's ex-CEO Zampella commented: "After all we have given to Activision, we shouldn't have to sue to get paid." The mega-publisher, however, argues that Zampella and former president/game director West have misrepresented their dismissal in the suit. "Activision is disappointed that Mr. Zampella and Mr. West have chosen to file a lawsuit, and believes their claims are meritless," says the company in a statement sent to consumer site Kotaku. Activision's statement continues, "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," continued the statement. The publisher's comments follows just days after it made an SEC filing claiming breaches of contract and insubordination on Zampella and West's part, and predicting future litigation. "While the company showed enormous patience, it firmly believes that its decision was justified based on their course of conduct and actions," Activision's statement adds. "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."