Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Updates

Record-setting launch of Modern Warfare 2 Stimulus Package, continued WOW success boost publisher's Jan.-Mar. quarter; lead animation team departs.

Steve Fukuda and Zied Rieke reportedly tender resignations at Infinity Ward; lead environment artist Chris Cherubini, programmer Rayme Vinson also said to be out.

Design lead Mackey McCandlish, senior animator Bruce Ferriz, programmer Jon Shiring exit despite Activision dangling prospect of increased royalty payouts.

Q&A: Ex-Infinity Ward leaders and EA Games president explain how they are setting up an independent SoCal shop, discuss importance of owning one's own IP.

[UPDATE] New studio Respawn Entertainment formed by Jason West, Vince Zampella; EA Partners to be exclusive distributor of future titles; Activision says deal is no surprise given the pair's "improper activities."

[UPDATE] Call of Duty publisher claims Vince Zampella, Jason West were "self-serving schemers" trying to set up new studio; developers fire back.

Jason West and Vince Zampella alleging publisher trumped up HR charges, conducted "Orwellian" investigation in order to avoid paying royalties, giving it control over Modern Warfare franchise.

[UPDATE] Jason West, Vince Zampella charge Call of Duty publisher with breach of contract, wrongful termination; seek unpaid royalties, control of Modern Warfare-branded games; Activision calls claims "meritless."

[UPDATE] Activision unveils department focused on expanding franchise, confirms rumors Bay Area studio working on COD "action-adventure" title; mystery COD title due in 2011; massively multiplayer licensing in negotiations; Infinity Ward apparently involved only in MW2 expansions.

[UPDATE] SEC filing reveals Activision is dismissing two "senior employees" of Modern Warfare 2 studio for "breaches of contract"; Jason West, Vince Zampella confirm sudden simultaneous departure.

Wii Remote pack-in leads list of all-time titles; Guitar Hero III, GTA: San Andreas, Modern Warfare 2, Wii Fit, Mario Kart Wii, Call of Duty 4, Madden NFL 07, COD: World at War, and Namco Museum also make chart.

The Hollywood Reporter says Keith Arem will write, direct action thriller about mysterious epidemic; companion graphic novel also planned.

Modern Warfare 2's $550 million opening helps boost Infinity Ward, Treyarch-developed FPS series' total global sales beyond 55 million units.