The duo’s deal with EA, “positions the Respawn Entertainment leadership team as the owners of the intellectual property they create.” Though IP ownership was a sticking point in Zampella and West’s deal with Activision, the wording of the press release seems odd. Legally speaking, “positioned as owners,” may not be the same as “are owners.” In any case, the specifics of the deal have not been disclosed. Vince Zampella, General Manager of Respawn Entertainment, had this to say:
No projects have been announced, and the team at the studio is still being built. A trip to the Respawn Entertainment website currently reveals nothing more than an email link to apply for jobs.
Of course, West and Zampella are still engaged in litigation with Activision over the duo’s departure from Infinity Ward. In response to the Respawn Entertainment press release, Activision re-states the point of their lawsuit against the two, and re-asserts Infinity Ward’s position as an Activision-owned studio.
How much of that “deep bench of proven talent” will ultimately continue on with troubled developer Infinity Ward remains to be seen. Just last week, Lead Software Engineer Francesco Gigliotti and Lead Designer Todd Alderman left Infinity Ward. Will they be joining up with Respawn Entertainment? And will more staff follow?
With any luck, both teams will ultimately have bright futures, and everyone involved can get back to doing what they do best: making great games. Respawn Entertainment certainly seems to be looking more tword the future than the past. Says Jason West, President of Respawn Entertainment:
Game Rant wishes the newly formed development studio well. What are you thoughts? What kind of game do you want to see Respawn Entertainment create? What does this really mean for Infinity Ward?
Source: Gamepro
