Activision enlists Spark Unlimited

Activision has signed a long-term deal with Spark Unlimited, a new studio formed by 28 people who previously worked on the Medal of Honor console and PC games. Under the publishing agreement, Spark will produce three multiplatform console games for Activision. Spark's first game will fall under the newly announced Call of Duty brand. This Call of Duty first-person shooter for consoles is scheduled for release in 2004.

"Spark is an incredibly talented developer," said Larry Goldberg, executive vice president of Activision Worldwide Studios. "The team members have an impressive track record of making first-person action games. Through this alliance, we will be able to continue delivering fantastic titles on the console platforms for many years to come."

Spark's transition from working on the Medal of Honor series hasn't been a perfectly smooth one. Electronic Arts recently revealed that it has settled a lawsuit against the studio.