Zampella, West now want over $1 billion in damages from Activision

The damages pay-out sought by sacked Infinity Ward bosses Jason West and Vince Zampella has swollen to over $1 billion, according to the pair's former employees Activision.

The figure popped up in a recent SEC financial filing from the publisher, as spotted by Develop.

It notes that the sum originally sought was just $36 million, but doesn't specify why the number has risen so dramatically since.

Here's the text in full:

"After concluding an internal human resources inquiry into breaches of contract and insubordination by two senior employees at Infinity Ward, the Company terminated its employment of Jason West and Vince Zampella on March 1, 2010.

"On March 3, 2010, West and Zampella filed a complaint against the Company in Los Angeles Superior Court for breach of contract and wrongful termination, among other claims. In their complaint, West and Zampella alleged damages, including punitive damages, in excess of $36 million, an amount they have since significantly increased during discovery to over $1 billion, as well as declaratory relief.

"On April 9, 2010, the Company filed a cross complaint against West and Zampella, asserting claims for breach of contract and fiduciary duty, among other claims. The Company is seeking damages and declaratory relief."

The case is due to go in front of a Los Angeles judge on 29th May.

In related news, a report early today accused Activision of attempting to hack into Zampella and West's email around a year before they were eventually dismissed.

The two Modern Warfare creators signed a development a deal with EA soon after their departure from Activision. EA was subsequently dragged into the legal scuffle but has since settled out of court.