The media is abuzz with the Infinity Ward & Activision spat — but let's not forget about more serious issues to address.
News Blips:
Former Infinity Ward (Modern Warfare 2) heads Jason West and Vince Zampella have filed a lawsuit against Activision. The lawsuit states that both individuals were terminated from employment before they were supposed to be paid significant royalties earned while under the Modern Warfare 2 contract. West said that he and Zampella were "shocked" by Activision's actions over the past days. I think Zampella put it best when he said, "After all we have given to Activision, we shouldn't have to sue to get paid." [PR Newswire]
Sony is developing a new smart phone capable of downloading and playing PlayStation games. The new device is one of many in Sony's upcoming line of portable gadgets — including an iPad-like multifunction device — that aims to challenge Apple's kung-fu grip on the handheld market. Let's hope that Sony doesn't follow Apple's aesthetic principles by releasing an oversized PSP. [Wall Street Journal]
Ubisoft has quashed rumors that its new DRM system has already been cracked. Reports of the just-released Silent Hunter 5 appearing on torrent websites without the now infamous always-online requirement are "false" according to the publisher, who added that "while a pirated version may seem to be complete at start up, any gamer who downloads and plays a cracked version will find that their version is not complete." But the real humor lies within the instructions for the cracked game: "Install game and copy crack, it's that simple!" [CVG]
Zipper Interactive is developing SOCOM 4 after re-acquiring the rights to the franchise. The new entry into the series will boast 32-player online battles. As for their recently released MAG, Senior Community Manager Jeremy Dunham assures gamers that Zipper is still "fully committed" to supporting its PS3 audience. As if we weren't already under a huge glut of military shooters. [PlayStation Blog]
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