$28m has been doled out but $54m is still owed. Acti says they retain ”discretion” when to pay up, with devs saying it keeps them ”hostage”.
The claimants’ suit allege that Activision are violating Californian labour laws by holding back promised incentives for Modern Warfare 2’s success “in an attempt to keep the employees hostage so that Activision could reap the benefit of the completion of Modern Warfare 3,” reports VG247.
The ‘Infinity Ward Employee Group’ seek $75-125M million from the publishing giant which includes the bonuses, interest, profit sharing, royalties and stock options. ”Activision owes my clients approximately $75 million to $125 million dollars,” said an attorney.
”Activision has withheld most of the money to force many of my people to stay, some against their will, so that they would finish the delivery of Modern Warfare 3,” continued Bruce Isaacs, representing the IWEG, reports G4TV.
“That is not what they wanted to do. Many of them. My clients’ entitled to their money. Activision has no right to withhold their money– our money.” This comes after more developers have left the now troubled Infinity Ward studio. There’s blood in the water.
Acti has now responded to the lawsuit and is brimming with confidence. ”Activision believes the action is without merit,” said a company spokesperson.
”Activision retains the discretion to determine the amount and the schedule of bonus payments for MW2 and has acted consistent with its rights and the law at all times. We look forward to getting judicial confirmation that our position is right,” they added.
This is unlikely to end well and could fuel even more departures. Is anything of the original Infinity Ward team going to be left in a couple of months? Will there be enough shots of Mr Burns from The Simpsons left before we reach the end?! I hope so…
