[quote name='Cao Cao']This latest development certainly reinforces two important points in GamaSutra's analysis, though the second one is something BingeGamer brought up, centered on the contract:
1. Infinity Ward had complete control over the Modern Warfare franchise, and Activision would need their approval to do anything with it.
2. IW's contract has a provision in which Activision owes royalties to IW for Modern Warfare 2. Considering how much it sold, that likely adds up to a pretty nifty sum.
Clearly, these two points serve as possible motives for Activision to try to weasel their way out of the contract, by any means necessary. Leigh Alexander theorized that if IW refused to develop MW3, Activision would use the threat of layoffs, knowing that West and Zampella would refuse to it, thus giving Activision the "insubordination" excuse needed to get out of the contract.[/QUOTE]
How well did WaW sell compared to MW? Activision seems to think they don't need the best talent as long as they have the name. Didn't they do the same thing with Harmonix?
ATV is all about setting up a short term contract with the best talent, getting them to make a AAA title or two, then dumping the studio, all so they can retain the name and continue making games under it with lesser developers. All so they pay a tad bit less money in the whole scheme of things. This should backfire eventually. Perhaps this time.
I doubt ATV cares about the Modern Warfare name all that much compared to just getting IW to do what they want. They can continue CoD with whatever names they want. Of course they want MW3 asap and if they can't get it they make back that lost money by ending the contract. Crazy dirty business.
It was only a matter of time before ATV got itself into some crazy scandal like this! It's very sad for the future of studios in general when publishers can wheel and deal them like this. We need a Bobby Kotick law enacted. No Kodicking studios around allowed.
[quote name='Fjordson']
http://www.gamespot.com/news/6252764.html
The last paragraph is scary. A possible fourth Call of Duty game within the next two years? The end is nigh.[/QUOTE]
and Asian-produced... Good luck with that ATV!