Bungie breaks away, goes independent
by Dustin Burg 
{ Oct 5th 2007 at 11:30AM }
The rumors were true and it is now official. Bungie Studios has jumped Microsoft's money-rich ship and have gone independent. In a press release sent out this morning, Microsoft announced plans for Bungie to become an independent developer, but mentioned that they will still retain a "publishing agreement" between both studios and that Microsoft will keep "an equity interest in Bungie". The press release also mentions that Microsoft owns and will retain the Halo IP and that the Peter Jackson Halo project and Halo Wars are still on track for release. No other reasons were given for the split, but it seems to be on good terms.So fanboys, what do you make of this? The press release sounds way too fluffy and way too civil for such a breakup, but maybe that's really how it is. We aren't sure, but it's going to be extremely interesting to see what Bungie's plans are for the future, how the Halo IP grows and how the two parties work together. Odd times indeed.
[Via Major Nelson]
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)
snarq @ Oct 5th 2007 3:31PM
@42
You sir are a dumb$hit
Sammy D Kat @ Oct 5th 2007 3:50PM
This gives everyone involved more options. Bungie can develop for the Playstation & other consoles without negatively reflecting on XBOX & Microsoft. Microsoft retains the Halo IP and can take it in directions that Bungie may not have. I would personally love to see a Halo RPG. Could you imagine developing a Spartan with Dr. Halsey & Mendez? How cool would that be...
Dick @ Oct 5th 2007 3:57PM
From Marketwatch
Microsoft to make 'Halo 3' developer Bungie independent
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Microsoft Corp. said Friday that it intends to make its Bungie Studios, the developer of the popular "Halo" franchise, an independent company while retaining an equity stake in the game developer.
Microsoft bosses again show they can't handle creative types
BERKELEY, Calif. (MarketWatch) -- It's now official that Bungie Software and Microsoft have split. Perhaps both sides are winners as a result, as Microsoft is assured of continuing the Halo video-game franchise without ill-feelings and Bungie Software can develop whatever it wants.
chris @ Oct 5th 2007 4:08PM
Bungie make one good game and everyone thinks they are gods. Sorry but it's going to have to take more than a So So trilogy to make me believe the same. Good for them, I'd be tired of working on the same game over and over again too. Maybe they'll make a game for the ps3 maybe not. But who really cares. And for the recored if Bungie did not make Halo Microsoft would be dead in the water as far as the xbox brand name goes. So it's Microsoft that should be kissing Bungies butt.
Jeramy @ Oct 5th 2007 4:28PM
one word:
huh...
i bet the 8bitjoystick site or whatever that first ran this bs story is now shouting "BOOSH!!!" across the internet.
also, no oni or myth, as i believe those are owned by take-2 from their pre-ms split. unless bungie and ms decide not to stay publishing bed buddies.
dancingtosirens @ Oct 5th 2007 4:41PM
The only thing Im worried about is if Microsoft is going to take the Halo IP and just make new one after new one and smash it into the ground.
Please don't make Halo 4, Microsoft. We don't need you to belittle your own franchise.
Halo Wars is okay though.
dark54555 @ Oct 5th 2007 7:49PM
http://lawofthegame.blogspot.com/2007/10/mergers-acquisitions-and-divestments.html
B3N @ Oct 6th 2007 1:06PM
The story i got was that bungie got sold to, well bungie. Which means that bungie is now an independent company that is no longer limited to creating halo. But the catch is that microsoft own's 10% percent still, so microsoft gets first dib's on anything that microsoft make's. The way i see it all that's happened is microsoft has loostened its grip on bungie allowing them to make new games! yay!