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Bungie Goes Independent, Microsoft Retains Halo
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posted by: Chris Martin
date posted: 02:22 PM Fri Oct 5th, 2007
last revision: 02:22 PM Fri Oct 5th, 2007


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Click to read.There have been rumors aplenty since the explosive launch of Halo 3. The rumors pointed to the an \"insider\" who said Bungie and Microsoft will be parting ways, and that, as we just received word, is true. Bungie Studios will become an independents developer, although Microsoft will retain the rights to the Halo franchise, and Bungie will still be focusing mainly on Microsoft\'s platform. Quote Harold Ryan, Studio head for Bungie, \"We will continue to develop with our primary focus on Microsoft\'s 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.\"

What this means is that Bungie can now make games for other platforms, and that they aren\'t under strict contract with Microsoft (or any contract for that matter). But it seems that the bond, between Bungie and MGS, is still strong, and Bungie will likely stick with Microsoft\'s console for the majority of its games.

I don\'t really think this is big news, but it\'s buzzing about on the interweb, so I thought I\'d post it.

--Chris


PS. Here\'s the whole press release:

Companies to forge new long-term relationship.



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\'s 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.

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