There was an “internal human resources inquiry” a few weeks ago. You may not have heard too much about it, so here’s a quick recap: Activision let Vince Zampella and Jason West of Inifinity Ward go, and then Vince and Jason filed a lawsuit against Activision.
From that moment, it became a legal matter, and legal matters mean silence unless you’re talking through a lawyer. I knew we’d get no more reliable info on the situation unless or until a) it went to trial, b) a settlement was announced, or c) Activision filed a counter-claim.
Well, as of today, it’s c), counter-claim. Activision’s lawsuit was filed today, and several media outlets picked it up. [UPDATE: IGN has posted all 23 pages of the claim itself.]
I have some perspective on this.
I’m not happy to see more lawsuits in an already messy situation, but I am relieved that we now have both parts of the dispute. Vince and Jason’s position was made clear by their lawsuit, but Activision didn’t say much in return. Everybody asked “Why would Activision do that?” — and I think that was the absolute right question to ask. Did such a bold move really come out of nowhere? That didn’t seem likely to me. So what on earth went so wrong that it led to such a public and dramatic event? Now with the counterclaim, we know a bit more of what Activision was thinking that led them to that choice. On that level, all the people watching and wondering from the sidelines have a little closure.
So, now the two parties have made their statements. It’s balanced. What happens next?
Uh, nothing. Really. Expect to hear nothing from here on out.
I know the drama lovers will be eager to stoke the fires again, but honestly, things will almost certainly go totally silent now, because there are even more lawyers involved. Anything you hear after today will likely be gossip or unsubstantiated rumor; the next official info will likely be news of a settlement or a trial date. For the peanut gallery, the show is now over.
Just as I somehow found the strength to pick myself up after the life-altering disasters that were Bennifer and Brangelina, here’s how I plan to cope: After giving this situation the thought it deserves, I’m getting back to playing games. Many gamers have posted and boasted and tried to insert themselves into this situation, as if the fight between these two parties somehow involves them — but it really doesn’t. No amount of blog-comment diatribes or forum posturing will actually affect this situation. At the end of the day, none of us can or will have any input into what is basically a private political employment situation — pardon me, an “internal human resources inquiry.” We got a little gawking insight from the addition of two public lawsuits (which is more than we got from Gertsmanngate) and that’s really where it ends. The gory accident has happened; now that we’ve rubbernecked, all we can do now is drive on.
Actually, I’ve already given it all the thought I really want to give it. Sifting through the ashes of an horrific crash is not my idea of fun.
