Call Of Duty Devs planned 'Halo Beater

Activision alleges that Infinity Ward's former bosses planned a science-fiction shooter to rival Halo and is now developing the idea at Respawn Entertainment. Activision alleges that the idea for Respawn Entertainment's yet-to-be-announced debut game is a new sci-fi shooter IP to rival Halo - an idea dreamt up by Vince Zampella and Jason West while still at Infinity Ward. The AP revealed the claim in a report on Activision's settlement with EA yesterday. "Activision has sought access to details about Respawn's work for Electronic Arts on a new game that has not been revealed," reads the story. "Activision claimed the pair had discussed creating a science-fiction shooter intended to challenge the "Halo" franchise, but instead of delivering that game gave it to Redwood City-based Electronic Arts." It's not clear what action Activision would take if it felt Respawn's game was similar in concept to discussions at Infinity Ward. Respawn Entertainment has remained silent on the theme for its first title, but it has confirmed the game will be based on a new IP. Speculation has hinted at Respawn's game having sci-fi elements - something seemingly qualified by EA Games president Frank Gibeau last year when he described it as a "sci-fi shooter." Respawn has said it will skip E3, but a leaked EA marketing schedule has suggested that Respawn's game will launch during fiscal 2013 - or before March next year. With Crysis 3 now revealed for early 2013, if Respawn's game is a sci-fi FPS the chances of it launching before March 2013 appear to be slim.