Got news?   tips@destructoid.com  |  Never miss a story:   RSS + Twitter + YouTube
Hey! New here? Destructoid is a gaming discussion community, updated nearly every 20 minutes. Make a quick avatar to comment and enter our contests. Take the tour!

 


Home Halo updates

Official: Microsoft and Bungie split

11:03 AM on 10.05.2007, Nick Chester 56 comments

Official: Microsoft and Bungie split photo
     Halo

We're sure you've heard the rumors. So did we, with everything but an official confirmation. But here it is: Microsoft and Bungie Studios are parting ways.

In an official press release, Microsoft have announced that Bungie is set to "embark on a path to become an independent company." Bungie and Microsoft will still remain close (Bill Gates is leaving his toothbrush at Master Chief's house), and will continue to support the long-standing publishing agreement for the Microsoft-owned Halo intellectual property, as well as future Bungie properties.

"While we are supporting Bungie's desire to return to its independent roots, we will continue to invest in our Halo entertainment property with Bungie and other partners, such as Peter Jackson, on a new interactive series set in the Halo universe," says Microsoft's Shane Kim. "We look forward to great success with Bungie as our long-term relationship continues to evolve through Halo-related titles and new IP created by Bungie."

Microsoft are very careful to mention that they own the Halo IP, mentioning it more than once in the press release.  So with Bungie moving on to other projects (presumably not Halo related, from what we hear), who would you like to see take the wheel and steer the franchise in a new direction?

REDMOND, Wash. -- Oct. 5, 2007 -- Microsoft Corp. today announced a plan for Bungie Studios, the developers of the "Halo®" franchise, to embark on a path to become an independent company. Microsoft will retain an equity interest in Bungie, at the same time continuing its long-standing publishing agreement between Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie for the Microsoft-owned "Halo" intellectual property as well as other future properties developed by Bungie.

The critically acclaimed Xbox 360®-exclusive "Halo 3" achieved $300 million in global sales in its first week. Released on Tuesday, Sept. 25, "Halo 3" is the fastest-selling video game ever and already one of the most successful entertainment properties in history.

"Our collaboration with Bungie has resulted in 'Halo' becoming an enduring mainstream hit," said Shane Kim, corporate vice president of Microsoft Game Studios. "While we are supporting Bungie's desire to return to its independent roots, we will continue to invest in our 'Halo' entertainment property with Bungie and other partners, such as Peter Jackson, on a new interactive series set in the 'Halo' universe. We look forward to great success with Bungie as our long-term relationship continues to evolve through 'Halo'-related titles and new IP created by Bungie."

"This exciting evolution of our relationship with Microsoft will enable us to expand both creatively and organizationally in our mission to create world-class games," said Harold Ryan, studio head for Bungie. "We will continue to develop with our primary focus on Microsoft® platforms; we greatly value our mutually prosperous relationship with our publisher, Microsoft Game Studios; and we look forward to continuing that affiliation through 'Halo' and beyond."

Bungie Studios will remain in its current location in Kirkland, Wash.


Next page: More Bungie stories




nademagnet's Avatar
nademagnet at 10/05/2007 11:03
YAY! This means that Bungie can make NEW games! NEW TITLES!
MaxVest's Avatar
MaxVest at 10/05/2007 11:04
I wonder how much it cost them to go independent.
brainderailment's Avatar
brainderailment at 10/05/2007 11:07
They may have "bought" their way out of Microsoft with all that Halo 3 money. I'm sure they've been planning this since the beginning of development on Halo3. I would like to see these guys make a platformer.
Hoygeit's Avatar
Hoygeit at 10/05/2007 11:07
Stated this earlier- I’m a Bungie nut and I really enjoy the Halo series. I was a big hesitant on the news initially.

That being said, that’s great news for Bungie and I can’t wait to hear what they’re working on next!
SuitcoatAvenger's Avatar
SuitcoatAvenger at 10/05/2007 11:08
So, thus begins Microsofts massive exploitation of the Halo IP that is sure to follow.

Really, the only thing that held them back from putting out a title every year was Bungie.
Tull's Avatar
Tull at 10/05/2007 11:09
Well, the fact Microsoft kept things amicable with Bungie means they got something out of it. If Bungie didn't give something up in return outside of Halo then we'd be seeing a fight right about now. Looks like a sort of win-win for both parties. Microsoft gets to keep the Halo franchise and any related IP. They also seem to get exclusive or first refusal rights to any other Bungie IP. Bungie now gets to be free to do things other than Halo and at the same time probably still get the use of Microsoft's publishing arm and maybe even financial help for any future titles.

As for someone else to takeover the Halo franchise outside of Bungie in case they're too busy...there's always Free Radical who did the original Goldeneye and Perfect Dark. Even though they're making Haze for the PS3 they're still an indie developer. Microsoft can always try hiring id Software and hope Carmack is not in one of his hate-the-console mood. Then there's Epic Games who can try their hand at the Halo franchise.
Antimat3r's Avatar
Antimat3r at 10/05/2007 11:09
O MAN i was just about to send this in LOL

Horray for Bungie!
B-Radicate's Avatar
B-Radicate at 10/05/2007 11:12
It cost them nothing, actually, Max. They in fact got their souls BACK from Microsoft, who had been holding them ransom over the course of the Halo series' creation.
brainderailment's Avatar
brainderailment at 10/05/2007 11:12
Maybe Bungie and Activision (Bizarre) can get together and make a Halo-Kart! That's what everyone really wants.
dyslixec's Avatar
dyslixec at 10/05/2007 11:12
lmao @ all of those so gung-ho on thinking something like this could never happen. Welcome to the game industry!

Now.. to the story, AH thank the lords. I am glad Bungie is on its own again, now give us some Myth IV! :D
Variable Gear's Avatar
Variable Gear at 10/05/2007 11:16
This is great News!

Will Bungie return to the Mac?

Unlikely...

I'm happy that Bungie will be able to have more independence. An announcement of a new IP wouldn't hurt...Pimps at Sea for Wii, perhaps?

This really seems to be a best-case-scenario because Bungie still has a beneficial publishing relationship with MGS and they are now independent again.

Oni 2 for PS3 - coming in 2008!

SWEET!
galagabug 's Avatar
galagabug at 10/05/2007 11:16
basically MS still owns halo and even has some equity in bungie. it just means that new IP's will not be MS exclusive, although they will design all games around the xbox platform. meaning don't expect any wii/ps3 exclusive content.
Tull's Avatar
Tull at 10/05/2007 11:21
Maybe Microsoft can go buy Gearbox Software and have them take over the Halo FPS. I mean they did do the work in porting over the first Halo for the PC.
JonDarkwood's Avatar
JonDarkwood at 10/05/2007 11:25
WHAT NOW BITCHES. WHAT DID I JUST TELL YOU.
Snaileb 's Avatar
Snaileb at 10/05/2007 11:26
It's not official till Destructoid says it is. - Ken Kuragi


In serious matters, I think this is great news. MS still owns Halo, ok, but now Bungie can do greater things, and maybe they wont be 360 exclusives now. That said, I'd love for Halo 3 to be on the PS3, while we get MSG4. Too bad it wont happen. I mean.. Halo on the PS3. MGS4 will still be on the 360. (hah)

Cereally cereal.
qo_op's Avatar
qo_op at 10/05/2007 11:27
Everybody knows its to work on the ps3.
CaffeinePowered's Avatar
CaffeinePowered at 10/05/2007 11:29
The sound of a million fanboys shitting themselves.

Pretty sweet too, new Marathon game, yes please
SuitcoatAvenger's Avatar
SuitcoatAvenger at 10/05/2007 11:30
Y'know, thinking about it further, Microsoft needs to be careful about how they apply this IP. Even though Halo has a massive, ravenous fan-base who will buy up anything with a chief on it, they need to be careful about what kind of games they make with the Halo name attached to it. I mean, I'm not really sure that I want to see Grunt Bowling 2008 (or...do I?)
FuriousGeorge's Avatar
FuriousGeorge at 10/05/2007 11:35
does this mean Halo on the DS?
Mabec's Avatar
Mabec at 10/05/2007 11:36
No "THANK YOU MABEC, BUT THE PRINCESS IS IN ANOTHER CASTLE" ??? :(
Knives's Avatar
Knives at 10/05/2007 11:37
They were right when they said that all microsoft rumors are true =O
bloodylip's Avatar
bloodylip at 10/05/2007 11:39
OMG what is JACK going to do?!
JACK of No Trades's Avatar
JACK of No Trades at 10/05/2007 11:42
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Oni's Avatar
Oni at 10/05/2007 11:43
Dear Bungie:

Please make another Oni game. The first one was fantastic.

Love,

Oni
Variable Gear's Avatar
Variable Gear at 10/05/2007 11:47
OMG Matt Casamassina get online right away with some brand-new Halo DS footage!

(OR ELSE)
Xbudz's Avatar
Xbudz at 10/05/2007 12:01
Here's how a fanboy might feel at this news:

It starts with shock from reading the headlines.. but when you find out the part about still working with Microsoft- it's less painful.

It's still a little shocking tho.
Twosixteen's Avatar
Twosixteen at 10/05/2007 12:06
Fuck all that noise. I just want the ability to search for game types in Halo 3.
SuperD1984's Avatar
SuperD1984 at 10/05/2007 12:10
The Timesplitters crew, a pipe dream but none the less.
RskimB's Avatar
RskimB at 10/05/2007 12:12
Glad to hear that they are free now.
crila's Avatar
crila at 10/05/2007 12:13
as much as i love halo im kind of glad bungie is parting ways with m$. it would suck if they only produced halo games forever. halo 4: pick another fight. (haha) hopefully their next ip will be just as badass as halo is.
Sinnix's Avatar
Sinnix at 10/05/2007 12:21
"...who would you like to see take the wheel and steer the franchise in a new direction?"

No one. Let the series end on the graceful final note that is Halo 3.
blu3steel's Avatar
blu3steel at 10/05/2007 12:23
I now officially predict "Halo 4: Oh Wait, The Franchise Isn't Done Yet"
psychopathic's Avatar
psychopathic at 10/05/2007 12:34
no developer but bungie should touch my halos. let them be.
king3vbo's Avatar
king3vbo at 10/05/2007 12:35
"Bill Gates is leaving his toothbrush at Master Chief's house"

LOL.

Now can be has time for a new Myth or Oni game? PLZ???
Nincompoopery's Avatar
Nincompoopery at 10/05/2007 12:42
Personally I would like to see Bioware step up to the plate and develop a Halo Universe RPG, much in the same taste as KOTOR or Mass Effect.
Kayka's Avatar
Kayka at 10/05/2007 12:43
Oh boy, can't wait for Marathon IV
DanGale's Avatar
DanGale at 10/05/2007 12:44
[i] JACK of No Trades says:
(# 4) on 10/03/2007 15:32
Bungie didn't split. It would be stupid.

They plan on making a new trilogy for the Halo universe. [/i]

Hehe, sorry Jack. I just thought of that and it made me smile.
Zarathustra's Avatar
Zarathustra at 10/05/2007 12:53
@Nincompoopery: That's the only good idea I've read so far.
vexed alex's Avatar
vexed alex at 10/05/2007 12:58
The only type of Halo game I'd play is a story heavy prequel. Any Halo 4, or Master Chief's adventures after Halo 3 -- nay.

What am I saying...I'll even buy that shit. I won't be excited about it! Not of Bungie isn't making it.

I hope Bungie goes out there and makes us all proud. They can spread their awesome game making to other platforms.

3rd party exclusives are bullshit, in my opinion. I own a 360 and can't afford a PS3. Sometimes I want to try out some of those games, you know? Just as well as a PS3 gamer might want to dabble in Bioshock (that might come out for PS3, right?).
hovercraft's Avatar
hovercraft at 10/05/2007 12:58
"we will continue to invest in our 'Halo' entertainment property with Bungie and other partners".

So we will see new Halo games developed by Bungie and other they can work on other titles to! Win Win.
naia-the-gamer's Avatar
naia-the-gamer at 10/05/2007 13:06
I gotta feel bad for them. It sounds like Microsoft just wanted them to hemorrhage Halo products to make more money, but creatively it's probably draining on them to be working on one universe and that's it. It would be like Capcom only making Mega Man games.

Kudos to them. I look forward to seeing what other original titles they make in the future
JACK of No Trades's Avatar
JACK of No Trades at 10/05/2007 13:08
Dan

LOL, thats messed up.
Necros's Avatar
Necros at 10/05/2007 13:23
Eh, no big deal. We know two more non-trilogy Halo titles are coming out. From there, I would hope MS would let it die, though that's unlikely.
CarlostheJackal's Avatar
CarlostheJackal at 10/05/2007 13:48
"You say goodbye, I say Hello...Hello Hello"
Everyone wins here, M$ keeps "teh Haloz" and Bungie gets to make more kick ass games that can be played on other consoles. Sounds like good news to me, thanks Dtoid.
Cheeburga's Avatar
Cheeburga at 10/05/2007 13:57
Doesn't seem like that big of a deal.
BFeld13's Avatar
BFeld13 at 10/05/2007 13:58
As long as Bungie keeps making the haloes, it's all good
arcadias's Avatar
arcadias at 10/05/2007 14:19
This is good news. Bungie make great games. They shouldn't be tied to one console.

Theres nothing wrong with MS making sure everyone knows that they will be keeping the Halo IP. At least there wont be any stupid rumours like 'MGS4 on 360' that they took way too long to squash.
bigfatton's Avatar
bigfatton at 10/05/2007 14:22
meh
prev next 50 comments

Returning Dtoiders: login now to post a comment

Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just Create an avatar now - it's fast and free: PLUS you also get your own gaming blog and begin posting stories and uploading videos in our open community area that may also appear on our home page. Sign up and we'll guide you through it, it's easy and 100% anonymous.




 Original Videos

 Reviews
Mad Dog McCree Gunslinger Pack
Overlord II
Yosumin Live!
Let's Tap
Ghostbusters: The Video Game (Wii)
View all Game Reviews

 Community blogs -   39702 Dtoiders!

This month's theme: Untapped Potential

New to Dtoid? Read the survival guide


 Originals

Retroforce Recap: so what about those dirty games, now?











more original Destructoid stories



 Popular now more













Destructoid is:
Nick Chester
Editor-in-Chief
Jim Sterling
Reviews Editor
Dale North
News Editor
Hamza Aziz
Community Manager
Anthony Burch
Features Editor
Rey Gutierrez
Video editor & director
Niero
Founder, publisher
Letters to the editors
tips@destructoid.com
Associate Editors
Ashley Davis Jonathan Holmes
Brad Nicholson Jonathan Ross
Brad Rice Jordan Devore
Chad Concelmo Matthew Razak
Colette Bennett Tom Fronczak
Conrad Zimmerman Topher Cantler
Dyson Samit Sarkar
Contributors
Adam Dork
Ben Perlee
Daniel Lingen
Joseph Leray
Joe Burling
Mikey
Will Maddock
Stella Wong




get involved

register or login
post a blog
post a forum
enter a contest
discuss a review
contribute a news tip
write a guest editorial
support

new member's guide
login assistance
tech support
report abuse
email our editors
read our dev blog
nuclear crisis?
keep in touch

RSS feed
Twitter
Facebook
Myspace
Flickr
Game nights
Meet-ups
seriously

about us
advertising
terms of use
privacy policy
jobs at MM
buy our crap
our network

Tomopop
Japanator




Destructoid is an independently-run publication forged by our love of video games and the gaming community's need of accountable enthusiast press
living the dream since March 16, 2006