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West and Zampella Sue Activision

By Chris Bennett, Tudor Carsten, Michael R. Coburn, Sarah Dale-Harris, Pablo Guzman, Danielle (Dani) Lemon, Chris Metcalfe and David Spratley

Jason West and Vince Zampella, co-founders of Infinity Ward, have allegedly filed a lawsuit against Acitivision Publishing Inc. claiming breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, wrongful termination in violation of public policy and declaratory relief.

West and Zampella reportedly served as president/game director and CEO of Infinity Ward following its acquisition by Activision in November 2003. Their employment was allegedly terminated by Activision weeks before they were to be paid substantial royalty payments as part of their existing contracts for Modern Warfare 2. This reportedly follows claims of Activision having investigated charges of insubordination, breach of fiduciary duty and breach of contract by two senior employees at Infinity Ward, which allegedly became grounds for West and Zampella's termination on March 1, 2010. Activision is said to be moving ahead with the Call of Duty franchise, despite this turn of events.

Coverage here, here, here and here

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Full post as published by Video Game Law Blog on March 05, 2010 (boomark / email).