Infinity Ward senior employees up for breach of contract, insubordination [Update]

Certainly not your usual news story -- a "bunch of bouncer-types" have reportedly just shown up at Infinity Ward offices unannounced. Asked why they were there, the non-uniformed men would not disclose any information.

A source close to the Modern Warfare 2 developer has said, "Everyone is on edge." Understandably so, given studio heads Vince Zampella and Jason West had met with Activision this morning and have not been seen since.

The source describes the publisher-developer relationship lately as "tense", the office mood, "freaked out" and "confused."

"We just wanna make our games," said the source.

We've sent some inquiries out around Activision and will let you know if we hear anything.

Update: A screenshot of West's Facebook wall has surfaced, where he's announced his unemployment. Additionally, his LinkedIn profile has been altered to reflect his new status. Not confirmed of course, but looks likely. West has been with the company nine years, most lately serving as President, Game Director, CCO and CTO.

Update 2: Another source says Activision is "flexing their muscles" against IW, which is trying to "push back against change." This contrasts with previous news, when IW had to fight for the original Modern Warfare as a title apart from the standard World War II setting.

Update 3: An Activision SEC filing made earlier today reads as follows: 

The Company is concluding an internal human resources inquiry into breaches of contract and insubordination by two senior employees at Infinity Ward. This matter is expected to involve the departure of key personnel and litigation. At present, the Company does not expect this matter to have a material impact on the Company.

Update 4: Zampella's LinkedIn profile has been updated to reflect his unemployment as well.

Additionally, more anonymous IW staffers have come forth to say their studio has not yet been paid royalties for Modern Warfare 2, which has earned over one billion dollars. Analysts are saying this may not be cause for alarm, however, and matters are likely proceeding as normal, or will soon enough.

A source inside Activision believes the fuss stems from IW seeking work with a rival publisher (apparently not EA).

Final update: The firing of Zampella and West has been confirmed as part of Activision's new strategy.