The news keeps getting worse for Infinity Ward. It’s bad enough that staff members continue to leave the company, many of which joining former Infinity Ward founders Vince Zampella and Jason West’s new studio Respawn Entertainment, now IW has a lawsuit on its hands.
A lawsuit filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court by 38 plaintiffs, known as “Infinity Ward Employee Group,” is seeking $75 million USD and $125 million in compensatory damages. This group is composed of current and former staff members at IW. In addition, the plaintiffs are seeking $75 to $500 million in punitive damages. As uncovered by G4TV.com, the employees say they are seeking to claim bonuses owed to them from 2009.
The lawsuit states, "Activision withheld the property of the IWEG in an attempt to keep the employees hostage so that Activision could reap the benefit of the completion of Modern Warfare 3."
It went on to state, "Activision has a duty to pay all of the members of the IWEG all of the money they are owed […] within 72 hours of the termination of their employment," reads the lawsuit. "Activision, however, has failed to do so."
For its part, Activision says the lawsuit has no merit. The company said, "Activision believes the action is without merit. Activision retains the discretion to determine the amount and the schedule of bonus payments for MW2 and has acted consistent with its rights and the law at all times. We look forward to getting judicial confirmation that our position is right."