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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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?)
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.
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?).
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
"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.
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.
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21 comments + 95764 views
Did you hear that? The sound of a million fanboys crying. :p
Already on the clogs. Good info IMO, though.
YAY! This means that Bungie can make NEW games! NEW TITLES!
I wonder how much it cost them to go independent.
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.
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!
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.
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.
O MAN i was just about to send this in LOL
Horray for Bungie!
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.
Maybe Bungie and Activision (Bizarre) can get together and make a Halo-Kart! That's what everyone really wants.
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
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!
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.
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.
WHAT NOW BITCHES. WHAT DID I JUST TELL YOU.
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.
Everybody knows its to work on the ps3.
The sound of a million fanboys shitting themselves.
Pretty sweet too, new Marathon game, yes please
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?)
does this mean Halo on the DS?
No "THANK YOU MABEC, BUT THE PRINCESS IS IN ANOTHER CASTLE" ??? :(
They were right when they said that all microsoft rumors are true =O
OMG what is JACK going to do?!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Dear Bungie:
Please make another Oni game. The first one was fantastic.
Love,
Oni
OMG Matt Casamassina get online right away with some brand-new Halo DS footage!
(OR ELSE)
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.
Fuck all that noise. I just want the ability to search for game types in Halo 3.
The Timesplitters crew, a pipe dream but none the less.
Glad to hear that they are free now.
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.
"...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.
I now officially predict "Halo 4: Oh Wait, The Franchise Isn't Done Yet"
no developer but bungie should touch my halos. let them be.
"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???
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.
Oh boy, can't wait for Marathon IV
[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.
@Nincompoopery: That's the only good idea I've read so far.
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?).
"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.
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
Dan
LOL, thats messed up.
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.
"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.
Doesn't seem like that big of a deal.
As long as Bungie keeps making the haloes, it's all good
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.
meh
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