Modern Warfare 2 Turns 15, But What Activision Did Later Forever Tainted Their Legacy

The day Activision let down a lot of us is still considered one of the saddest days in video game history. The wound is almost 14 years old, but it still holds the echoes of pain that followed the event.

Activision let down a lot of people with its actions years ago, which is a fact. However, what it did following the event is even more rogue, which forever tainted its legacy and reputation.

The Ghost of Activision’s Past Comes Racing Back To It

Around 14 years ago, Activision decided to fire Infinity Ward’s co-founders, Vince Zampella and Jason West. They were seen escorted out of the office by guards on accounts of breach of contract and insubordination. The duo had just released one of the most successful Call of Duty games, Modern Warfare 2, which accounted for a total of $1 billion in sales.

The duo later sued Activision for $36 million. Activision’s response was a countersuit, accusing the two of meeting EA in secret and revealing company secrets to it. The lawsuits died down ultimately, and the duo did in fact co-found the rival FPS studio Respawn Entertainment in collaboration with EA.

Having been a part of Infinity Ward and involved in developing Modern Warfare 2, the two knew exactly what they were doing by bringing in a lot of their Infinity Ward staff with them. Now, it is well known that following the departure of Zampella and West, a lot of the staff resigned or were released. One such former member of Infinity Ward, Paul Sandler, recently penned a note on Linkedin sharing his experience during the most tumultuous time.

While being in the room full of Activision high-up people he shared an incident where they were asked to just take their bonus from Modern Warfare 2’s sales and get over the departure of Zampella and West. He said:

Guys, if you stay with the studio to make Modern Warfare 3, you will receive your MW2 bonuses. AND we will also give everyone a fifty percent salary increase’. He paused slightly before repeating: ‘That is a five and a zero, fifty percent’.

The looks on peoples faces did not change. If anything, most of the team was feeling even more upset. The executive spoke again: ‘Look, I get it. I know this is a tough situation. But, just take the money and get over it.’ I specifically remember him telling us to ‘Get over it’.”

This statement deeply hurt a lot of people who felt disgusted about being a part of a studio that is run by people with absolutely zero ethics and empathy.

Even After 15 Years, The Incident Seems Fresh

The departure of the duo did not do the studio well and Infinity Ward failed to release good games for a while. Activision had single-handedly handicapped its flagship studio that developed the blockbuster game Modern Warfare 2.

Following the various chaotic lawsuits and legal battles, things seem to be getting a little calmer now since the duo has managed to secure a great place in the gaming industry.

Respawn is now owned by EA. Zampella holds a position of great importance in the studio now as a Group General Manager who has games like Apex Legends, Star Wars Jedi, Battlefield, and Need for Speed under him.