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Three More Infinity Ward Team Members Confirm Departure
First Activision fired Infinity Ward studio heads Vince Zampella and Jason West over alleged insubordination and breach of contract, who just recently announced a deal with EA Partners to form their own studio, Respawn Entertainment. Then two other high-level staffers, lead designer Todd Alderman and lead software engineer Francesco Giglotti jumped the IW ship for unspecified reasons. In the latest string of departures, seasoned programmer Jon Shiring, senior animator Bruce Ferriz, and lead designer Mackey McCandlish have reportedly left Infinity Ward.
According to IGN, Shiring has not announced future employment plans or reason for departure. Ferriz confirmed that he has moved on to Santa Monica-based Big Red Button Entertainment to work on an unannounced project. McCandlish has yet to report future plans.
With the announcement of Respawn Entertainment, Activision responded: “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. We look forward to continuing to work with Infinity Ward’s deep bench of proven talent on exciting new projects.”
With these departures from key staff members, however, it's anyone's guess whether or not there will even be anyone left at Infinity Ward who Activision can work with.
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