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.
Contest:
11:03 AM on 10.05.2007
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That being said, that’s great news for Bungie and I can’t wait to hear what they’re working on next!
Really, the only thing that held them back from putting out a title every year was Bungie.
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.
Horray for Bungie!
Now.. to the story, AH thank the lords. I am glad Bungie is on its own again, now give us some Myth IV! :D
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!
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.
Pretty sweet too, new Marathon game, yes please
Please make another Oni game. The first one was fantastic.
Love,
Oni
(OR ELSE)
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.
No one. Let the series end on the graceful final note that is Halo 3.
LOL.
Now can be has time for a new Myth or Oni game? PLZ???
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?).
So we will see new Halo games developed by Bungie and other they can work on other titles to! Win Win.
Kudos to them. I look forward to seeing what other original titles they make in the future
LOL, thats messed up.
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.
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.
Why not give Halo IP to Valve or someone for the next 'Chief' trilogy, and let bungie create something else which will no doubt go on to sell tonnes on the developer clout alone.
Hey, anything that puts some good games on the PS3 can't be too bad...
except Bungie makes good games, and isn't English.
Wouldn't it be cool if Bungie made games for the PS3, or, imagine, the Wii.
OMG, WTF IF NINTENDO BOUGHT BUNGIE WITH ALL OF THAT PRINTED MONEY???
That would be effed up. I bet bungie could make a good FPS for the Wii though. But Bungie is a soulful company and wouldn't just give up all of that freedom.