Call of Duty co-creator reportedly exits Respawn

UPDATE: Respawn co-founder Vince Zampella has issued a statement confirming West’s departure from the studio, and expressing excitement about the company’s upcoming appearance at E3. The original story follows.

Call of Duty co-creator and Infinity Ward co-founder Jason West has reportedly left Respawn Entertainment, the studio he helped establish after parting ways with Activision.

Sources told Kotaku that West departed the company amicably last May due to family issues, although Respawn wouldn’t comment on the report.

The site claims West has not been involved in the development of Respawn's first game, a “sci-fi oriented shooter” which is set to be published by EA and is expected to be shown off for the first time in June. Fellow Respawn co-founder Vince Zampella tweeted last month that the studio composed largely of ex-Infinity Ward talent will make its public debut at E3, where it will have something to show for its years off the grid.

Respawn has been largely quiet since its formation in 2010, releasing only a blurry image here or a mo-cap video there to assure fans that it has been busy working away behind the scenes.