A truly depressing story, but not surprising when their CEO is on the record as saying, "The goal that I had in bringing a lot of the packaged goods folks that we brought into Activision 10 years ago was to take all the fun out making video games. I think we've definitely been able to instill in the culture the skepticism and pessimism and fear that you should have in an economy like we're in today."
I find that quote really puzzling - what is the supposed advantage of taking the fun out of game development?
It reads as bitterly sarcastic to me.
You could tell something was wrong with the MW2 game; it was still great but the OTT plot and "unfinished" feel was apparent.
I'm not surprised to read they a) didnt want to do it and b) Activision was interfering.
Shame.
I hope they get a big ass settlement and start an awesome new studio and make more awesome games (with dedicated servers please).