Problems Occuring At Infinity Ward As We Speak

Earlier today, our friends over at G4TV gave us a tip, in which they were reporting that Infinity Ward was having some problems, in which security guards had unexpectedly shown up, and weren’t telling IW staff members why. It apparently all started earlier today when some key IW staff didn’t return from a meeting with Activision. At first we thought this was a publicity stunt that was somehow dealing with the upcoming MW2 DLC and with the launch of a similar shooter from rival EA, Battlefield Bad Company 2.

At this hour however, it has become apparent that this is indeed not a joke. In an investor report that was released yesterday from Activision, it clearly mentions on Page F-50, the following information,

In November 2009, the Company released Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, a game developed by one of the Company’s wholly-owned studios, Infinity Ward. As noted above, Modern Warfare 2 was the best selling console title in the U.S. and Europe in 2009. Consistent with past practice, the Company intends to release a Call of Duty game in 2010 developed by another wholly-owned studio. The Company is concluding an internal human resources inquiry into breaches of contract and insubordination by two senior employees at Infinity Ward. This matter is expected to involve the departure of key personnel and litigation. At present, the Company does not expect this matter to have a material impact on the Company.

In addition, we are party to other routine claims and suits brought by us and against us in the ordinary course of business, including disputes arising over the ownership of intellectual property rights, contractual claims, employment laws, regulations and relationships, and collection matters. In the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, the outcome of such routine claims and lawsuits will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

We hope to find out more information later in the day today, but currently have learned that Jason West, the former President/Game Director/CCO/CTO at Infinity Ward is out of a job, as is Vince Zampella (which is unconfirmed at this hour). Plus, it clearly states that a different company will be developing the next Call of Duty.