Activision â??axesâ?? Infinity Ward bosses in new row

The unremittingly tense relationship between Infinity Ward and its owner Activision has become the backdrop to new allegations that the publisher has discharged two studio heads at the Modern Warfare developer.

The alleged dismissal of Vince Zampella and Jason West sparks further suggestions that a bitter row has taken place between the developer and publisher. A G4 report claims that Activision dispatched security personnel to Infinity Ward’s California studio yesterday as the two senior staff were removed.

[TIMELINE – INFINITY-GATE]

Those watching on at Infinity Ward were said to be in a state of shock and confusion. "We just want to make our games," said a source.

Activision’s latest move is thought to have already been documented in an SEC filing, in which the publisher states it is “concluding an internal human resources inquiry into breaches of contract and insubordination by two senior employees at Infinity Ward.”

The publisher goes on to state that it expects the situation to develop into a lawsuit, though offered no details.

A full picture of the row remains unclear, though new information is building up. A supposed Facebook update from one of the studio heads reads: “Jason West is drinking. Also, no longer employed.” His LinkedIn profile has confirmed his departure from Activision and Infinity Ward.

Activision has not commented on the situation for now. Develop is approaching the company.