Former lead designer returns to Infinity Ward while Mark Rubin departs

A long-time executive producer is leaving Call of Duty developer Infinity Ward while a former lead designed has re-joined the studio, according to Polygon.

Todd Alderman is returning to the studio as a multiplayer design director, which Activision has confirmed to Polygon. Alderman had previously worked for Infinity Ward since the studio began operating 13 years having been part of the core Medal of Honor: Allied Assault team which would go on to form the new studio.

Having initially played a role as a level designer, Alderman went on to become the leader multiplayer designer for the first two Modern Warfare titles in the Call of Duty series. Following the fallout with Activision, Alderman was one of many Infinity Ward employees who left the studio alongside heads Vince Zampella and Jason West following a dispute over unpaid bonuses and allegations. Five years on, he has returned to Infinity Ward after having worked at Respawn Entertainment and Riot Games.

“The chance to come back to Infinity Ward and Call of Duty is something I didn’t think would ever happen. It’s been five years since I’ve been here and a lot has changed. There are a lot of new faces and motivated people who want to make something great. It’s a really cool game concept that I want to be a part of. I can’t wait to see what we do with a three-year dev cycle. I’m excited to be back.” – Todd Alderman, Infinity Ward multiplayer design director

“This is about hiring the best talent for the right position. Todd’s accomplishments speak for themselves. We’re happy to have him lead multiplayer development here at Infinity Ward as well as provide a level of leadership across the entire studio team. Following last year’s combination with Neversoft, we’ve continued to add some great talent throughout the studio. As we focus on the future, there’s a real sense of energy that has us all excited about what’s to come.” – David Stohl, Infinity Ward studio head

On top of that, Activision has also confirmed that executive producer Mark Rubin has left Infinity Ward. Another long-time employee, Rubin was one of the studio’s main spokesperson during the launch of Call of Duty: Ghosts.

With appointments from Naughty Dog and Far Cry 4 developers in recent times, as well as the merger of Neversoft, Infinity Ward now consists of around 250 employees. With Call of Duty now being on a three-year development cycle, Infinity Ward’s next game will likely be released next year. Treyarch are confirmed to be working on the Call of Duty arriving later this year.

Source: Polygon