Microsoft announces their relationship with Bungie has "evolved," giving
provenance to rumors that such changes were in the works (
story),
so kudos to
8Bit Joystick for their
scoop. Word is Bungie will regain their independence, Microsoft Game Studios
will continue to hold equity in both Bungie and the Halo series, and that Bungie
will get to work on new projects, though it sounds like they will continue to
contribute to the Halo series and will continue to emphasize Microsoft's
platforms:
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.
Bungie.net's
Inside Bungie News has more from Bungie on all this.