Rumors have been spreading all over the internet since Halo 3 was released that Bungie would part ways with Microsoft, but few believed it. It was a rumor that had been popping up on and off for years now. But today both Microsoft and Bungie confirmed the news… Bungie is now on its own.
Sorta.
Microsoft will retain an equity interest in Bungie
and continue its publishing agreement for Halo, since it’s owned by Microsoft… as well as for future properties being developed.
Both sides did their best in their press releases to assure people that it was a happy breakup.
“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.”
“Working with Microsoft was great for us, it allowed us to grow as a team and make the ambitious, blockbuster games we all wanted to work on. And they will continue to be a great partner. But Bungie is like a shark. We have to keep moving to survive. We have to continually test ourselves, or we might as well be dolphins. Or manatees,” said Jason Jones, Bungie founder and partner
What’s this mean? The possibility of Halo appearing on other consoles? The possibility of Bungie actually working on something new? Yes and yes. Time will tell what will happen, but this has to be a great day for the guys at Bungie… they’ve worked under Microsoft’s rules for too long now, and although it’s been profitable for both of them it’ll be nice to see them focus on something else.
All I know is that I want a new Myth.