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A new super studio which merges Infinity Ward with Neversoft has been formed which will operate under the Infinity Ward name, an internal memo penned by Activision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg and obtained by Giant Bomb has revealed.
Neversoft was acquired by Activision in 1999 and shot to fame that year with the release of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. The studio went on to work on the Guitar Hero franchise and most recently Call of Duty: Ghosts with Infinity Ward.
“As you know, Neversoft and Infinity Ward teamed up for the development of Call of Duty: Ghosts,” wrote Hirshberg. “And through that process, it became clear that the two studios have very complementary skill sets. Between these two excellent studios, it seemed like a single ‘super-studio’ could emerge.”
The memo adds: “The impact of their 20-year run of hard work and success cannot be overstated. As already mentioned, we are merging these two very talented teams and obviously had to choose a name for the combined studio. Since the Infinity Ward brand is indelibly tied to the Call of Duty franchise, it is the sensible choice. While it will be strange to not see the Neversoft logo on future games, the important things–which are the Neversoft team’s talent, creativity, professionalism and commitment to creative excellence–all remain unchanged as part of this new chapter.”
Neversoft head Joel Jewett and studio director Scott Pease, each part of the studio’s furniture, “have made the difficult decision to retire” from games, explains the memo.
“As a gamer, all I can say is that I hope both Joel and Scott come of ‘out of retirement’ someday and develop more great Activision games for us all to play,” said Hirshberg. “As a colleague of Joel and Scott’s, all I can say is thank you and congratulations on an incredible run.”
Jewett and Pease will help Neversoft transition into Infinity Ward, but are expected to leave later this year.
The studio shake-up continues with Dave Stohl, currently the executive VP of worldwide studios for Activision, assigned to lead the new super studio. Current Infinity Ward studio head, Steve Ackrich, will remain in a leadership role.
“I am very much looking forward to what the new Infinity Ward will deliver in the near future,” said Hirshberg.
Most likely Call of Duty games.
Following the leaked memo hitting press, Infinity Ward tweeted: “We’re thrilled about our merger with @Neversoft! The entire team is excited about the future.”
Source: @InfinityWard, Giant Bomb
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