An Interesting Observation
Activision’s Infinity Ward debacle has, to date, cost them:
- The integrity of the Modern Warfare 2 team: IW is going to need major rebuilding if it’s going to put out a game any time soon.
- The confidence of the gaming public.
- Two proven high-level developers who command a high amount of personal loyalty, further proving their skill.
- 40% of the developers who actually worked on Modern Warfare 2.
- An ultimately fruitless lawsuit that EA will no doubt fight with every penny it can muster.
- Possibly $125 million in unpaid royalties and bonuses, but more likely a LOT of legal fees that’ll come to much the same number.
- Their CEO and President, Mark Griffith.
- A full dollar of share value.
Let this be a lesson to uppity publishers: You don’t just go stepping on committed people. These guys busted their asses and lived through hell to get this game to market. What makes you think that single-minded determination won’t be turned against you if you piss them off?
Anyone taking bets?
