Custom Call of Duty

Was surprised to read this at a site I regularly visit:

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J. West Fired? Activision Investigating "Insubordination" @ IW.

UPDATE: Security Appears At Infinity Ward, Studio Heads Missing, Activision Investigating "Insubordination"

UPDATE 12:02 AM: Double Fine's Tim Schafer, who had his own troubles with Activision over the release of Brutal Legend, recently commented on Twitter about what's happening between Infinity Ward and Activision.
"Getting mad at Activision for this kind of thing is like getting mad at an ape for throwing feces," said Schafer. "It's just how the beast communicates."

UPDATE 11:20 PM: It turns out Activision may have showed their hand in this matter earlier today.

In an SEC filing made this morning, Activision cited a human resources investigation into "breaches of contract and insubordination by two senior employees at Infinity Ward."

Based on the information we currently have, at least one of those employees may have included Infinity Ward CTO Jason West. It's possible Vince Zampella is the other unmentioned employee.

"This matter is expected to involve the departure of key personnel and litigation," read the filing. "At present, the Company does not expect this matter to have a material impact on the Company."

UPDATE 11:11 PM: Infinity Ward community manager Robert Bowling has vaguely addressed the situation:

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I should also say, while I appreciate all the calls, tweets, messages and hearing my ringtone a lot," said Bowling on his Twitter account, "they're in vain - as I have no info.

UPDATE 10:07 PM: More developments on the situation at Infinity Ward have come to light.

A screenshot surfaced from Infinity Ward CTO Jason West's Facebook page at Kotaku with the status update:

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Jason West is drinking. Also, unemployed.

I can confirm from a source close to West that the update did actually come from West's account.

West also updated his Linkedin profile which appears to reflect a change in employment:

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President/Game Director/CCO/CTO Infinity Ward
January 2001 – March 2010 (9 years 3 months)

While this doesn't yet provide much insight into what actually happened at Infinity Ward, it confirms there are changes afoot at the Call of Duty developer. As soon as I know more, you'll know more.

ORIGINAL STORY:

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Something's happening at Infinity Ward right now.

A source close to the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 developer just informed me that a "bunch of bouncer-types" just showed up outside of the Infinity Ward offices unannounced. When approached by employees, the non-uniformed "bouncers" were unwilling to disclose why they were there.
"Everyone is on edge," said my source.

Infinity Ward studio heads Vince Zampella and Jason West reportedly met with Activision this morning and have not been seen by Infinity Ward staff members since. My source did not delve into specifics, but described the relationship between Infinity Ward and Activision lately as "tense."

The mood around the Infinity Ward offices is currently described as "freaked out" and "confused."

"We just wanna make our games," said my source.
I've contacted Activision for comment on the ongoing situation at Infinity Ward. Stay tuned.

Read more

If true, the mind only boggles at how stupid Activision is for ditching such a talented engineer as West so easily. He is the real talent behind all the Call of Duty games, and was acknowledged to be so by former studio head Grant Collier. What future now for Call of Duty without his innovative thinking?

Whatever the situation, my heart goes out to him and his family. All the best for the future Jason!