In an interview with Develop, Activision's WWS boss Dave Stohl said the company is done "tampering" with Infinity Ward's "culture," letting the studio go about their business and recruit new talent as they see fit.
“We want Infinity Ward to be Infinity Ward,” said Stohl. “It’s a very specific culture. Recruiting for Infinity Ward – I mean we have had … well, let’s just say recruiting is not a problem!
Stohl then goes on to say that a lot of the IW employees who stuck around post Zampella and West's firing--who took a large number of the staff with them in the process--are stepping up to larger roles within Infinity Ward. “There’s a ton of talented people at the studio, and yes some on the inside are stepping up their game internally and becoming more senior," said Stohl.
“I’m not going to sit here and say no good talent left the studio, because obviously a lot of good talent did, but a lot of people who are really passionate about their job are still there.
“I’m one hundred percent confident that the studio will come back to what it was, especially considering all the talent we’re seeing rising through and also being recruited.
“There’s a development philosophy that remains intact, and the studio is attracting amazing new talent. Ultimately, Infinity Ward will rise from the ashes.”
Does Stohl like the analogy of a rising Phoenix as much as we do? For a little perspective, Activision COO Thomas Tippl said during a financial call to investors that the company as received over 5K inquiries into open positions within Infinity Ward.
