NEWS - Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Games Industry Responds to Respawn Announcement
The industry was rocked this morning by news of the the creation of Respawn Entertainment, which will be headed up by former Infinity Ward founders Jason West and Vince Zampella. Naturally, representatives from Electronic Arts, Activision and other sources have had plenty to say about the deal, so heres a quick look at the responses.
Respawn
"Respawn Entertainment marks a fresh start for Jason and me. For the past decade we led a great development team and poured our hearts into creating an epic game franchise. Were very proud of what we built -- and proud that so many millions of fans enjoyed those games. Today we hope to do it all over again -- open a new studio, hire a great team, and create brand new games with a new partner, EA." -- Official statement
"We have learned the hard way that the best way to ensure the integrity and quality of your work and make sure the fans get what they deserve is to own the intellectual property." -- Vince Zampella (via L.A. Times)
Electronic Arts
"It has a certain irony to it. But the fact that they were in this situation was a stunning opportunity for us." EA Games label president Frank Gibeau (via L.A. Times)
"It basically gives them [a] sanctuary where they can really focus in on creative and build a blockbuster product... Were helping these guys pick themselves up and go kick some ass." -- Gibeau (via GameSpot)
Activision
"This agreement comes as no surprise to Activision given the myriad of improper activities detailed in the cross-complaint filed on Friday against Jason West and Vince Zampella. We look forward to continuing to work with Infinity Wards deep bench of proven talent on exciting new projects." -- Activision statement
Analysts
"This is the ultimate screw-you to Activision -- and the ultimate screw-you to EA. By going to EA now and getting paid up, they say, youre finally paying us what were due. EA are being the bigger people here. Theyre not wounded at all by the fact that they lost these guys and the Medal of Honor brand deteriorated." -- Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter (via Gamasutra)
Creative Artists
"What makes Vince and Jasons deal so ground-breaking is that EA is investing in them as individuals, not as part of a larger, established company" -- Creative Artists Agency games department head Seamus Blackley
Source: http://www.1up.com