Activision explains Infinity Ward reshuffle

Activision has outlined the future of the Call of Duty series in a statement today that goes part way towards explaining yesterday's news that Infinity Ward bosses Vince Zampella and Jason West had left the publisher - possibly forcibly.

The two Infinity Ward heads were rumoured to be upset with Activision's policy and the fact that none of the royalties for Modern Warfare 2 - which grossed more than $1 billion USD - have been paid. It's since been confirmed that security entered the Infinity Ward building and that both Jason West and Vince Zampella have left Infinity Ward after more than nine years with the team.

Activision's statement plays down these facts though and focuses on the announcement of new Call of Duty and Modern Warfare games, some of which have been handed to new developer Sledgehammer Games, formed by ex-EA executives.

Activision's statement confirms that there'll be a new Call of Duty game from Treyarch this Autumn, with the popular rumour being that the game will be based in the Vietnam War.

Sledgehammer Games' new title will be released in 2011 and will move the genre forward to a more "action adventure" setting. Sledgehammer is owned wholly by Activision.

Activision is also setting up a new department just to handle and further the COD franchise, which will focus on "various new brand initiatives with focused, dedicated resources around the world", as well as "high-margin digital online content" and new genres.

Infinity Ward's remnants are currently only working on the first of two map packs to be released later in the year for Modern Warfare 2.

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