IW "can build new franchises" - Activision

Activision's executive vice president of studios, Dave Stohl, has said that he expects Infinity Ward to go on to create new franchises for the publisher.

Speaking to VG247, Stohl said: "I think we're rebuilding a studio that can go off and build great new franchises in the future."

Asked if Infinity Ward would continue to focus on its creation Call of Duty, Stohl said, "We’re not saying right now. There is definitely a strong shooter philosophy there, for sure. And I think that there’s a short- and long-term view on the whole thing."

Infinity Ward lost heads Jason West and Vince Zampella, and subsequently many senior staff, in a messy public spat with owner Activision earlier this year. Stohl referred to the episode as "a really unfortunate thing". But "recruiting at Infinity Ward is not a problem," he said.

"You know, to me, rebuilding Infinity Ward is about culture and talent, and we have the wherewithal to help them get there. I think there's a real desire. There's a real desire to do it. I think they'll get there, and we've got a ton of hard-working super-talented people," he said.

Stohl also had plenty to say on a happier topic, Activision's publishing deal with the house of Halo, Bungie. "I think the important part of our partnership with Bungie was the longevity of it. I think that, to me, makes it something beyond. It's not a one-off deal kind of thing. It's a partnership."

Although Bungie remains an independent developer with ownership of its own intellectual property, Stohl hopes the two companies will work together very closely. "We want to integrate them more than maybe an outside developer would usually be integrated," he said.

"The process is going to be cool, the launch is going to be incredible. I'm really excited."