Halo Creator Bids Goodbye To Microsoft

[CadCrazy]

Bungie and Microsoft Corp. part ways, for good. Bungie Studios, the developer of Microsoft’s 'Halo' franchise, will now become a privately held independent company, Bungie, LLC, in which Microsoft will hold a minority equity interest. As part of this transaction, Bungie and Microsoft have forged a deep and long-term development and publishing relationship focussed on the continued success of the 'Halo' franchise. It is also the intent of both parties to expand their partnership to include new IP created and owned by Bungie.

Bungie’s critically acclaimed Xbox 360 exclusive 'Halo 3' achieved $300 million in global sales in its first week. Released on 25 September 2007, 'Halo 3' is the fastest selling video game ever and is already one of the most successful entertainment properties in history.

“This exciting evolution of our relationship with Microsoft will enable us to expand both creatively and organisationally in our mission to create world-class games,” said Harold Ryan, studio head, 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, founder and partner, Bungie.

Bungie’s management retained the services of Don Leeds, senior managing director, B-Hive Global, LLC, to assist in the structuring of the deal and negotiating on their behalf. Bungie will remain in Kirkland, Washington, and is always looking to hire excellent talent.

Source

[Charan]

An news about the upcomming games by bungie after this split?