April 12, 2010 - Activision says it's not surprised by the news of former Infinity Ward founders Jason West and Vince Zampella joining rival publisher Electronic Arts since the two were fired last month. 

Both West and Zampella announced this morning they have formed Respawn Entertainment, a new development studio that will have its games published though Electronic Arts through its EA Partners program. 

Activision says this deal shouldn't be a shock to anyone given the details found inFriday's countersuit of the two allegedly taking secret trips to meet with EA while still under contract. 

"This agreement comes as no surprise to Activision given the myriad of improper activities detailed in the cross-complaint filed on Friday against Jason West and Vince Zampella," an Activision representative told IGN. "We look forward to continuing to work with Infinity Ward's deep bench of proven talent on exciting new projects." 

Both West and Zampella have yet to discuss details about their new project.

http://pc.ign.com/articles/108/1083090p1.html

I hope the people at Infinity Ward like to not be paid then.

They're used to it already.

i hope they're happy at their new jobs!

I love the language Activision is using. Schemers. Demonize some people who want creative people. Clearly the two want creative freedom. Considering that the Blizzard Activision merger likely offers Blizzard some form of autonomy. Of course its a double edge sword. The two want freedom so they probably did scheme. So what did Activision do, Scheme them in return. Of course Activision is a bigger company that activly pays taxes so it's more than likely Activision can get a way with it.

Exciting new projects lol

I'm not surprised either. Pretty obvious move. What's going to be interesting is where the court case goes and what happens to ownership of the CoD IP rights.

Basically. Call of Duty puppy mill. Enjoy stagnation.

it won't help Activision's case

All this started because apparently those guys were in talks with another publisher while still under contract. This probably kinda... shows that they had a point.