Bungie and Microsoft Split

Posted on October 5, 2007 by Jay Alan.

bungie.jpgIn a shocking piece of news, and have announced that is once again an independent company.

Shocking that is allowing this to happen, they own and don’t have to let this go through, but is going to stay on as a second party developer making games for including, they mention by name, the Halo franchise (and you thought it was over).

I know I’ve used the word far to many times for a writer, but I’m shocked. This was a rumor a week ago, but you didn’t see it on Project Silence because we don’t report rumors, especially such ridiculous ones, but this actually came true. It’s unbelievable. I just can’t see what has to gain in this move. is the one game studio purchase that got right and now they are saying, “Cool, thanks for those three Halo games, see ya!”

I just don’t get it. Links and Press release after the jump.

KIRKLAND, Wash. — Oct. 5, 2007 — and Corp. today announced a plan for Studios, the developers of ’s “Halo” franchise, to become a privately held independent company, , LLC, in which will hold a minority equity interest. As part of this transaction, and have forged a deep and long-term development and publishing relationship focused 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 .

’s critically acclaimed ® exclusive “” achieved $300 million in global sales in its first week. Released on Tuesday, Sept. 25, “” is the fastest-selling video game ever and already one of the most successful entertainment properties in history.

“This exciting evolution of our relationship with will enable us to expand both creatively and organizationally in our mission to create world-class games,” said Harold Ryan, studio head for . “We will continue to develop with our primary focus on ’s platforms; we greatly value our mutually prosperous relationship with our publisher, Game Studios, and we look forward to continuing that affiliation through ‘Halo’ and beyond.”

“Working with 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 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 ,” said Jason Jones, founder and partner.

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

About

was founded in 1991 with two goals: to develop games that combine brilliant technology, beautiful art, intelligent stories and deep gameplay, and to sell enough of those games to achieve its real goal of total world domination. Over the past 10 years it has produced games such as the “Marathon” trilogy and the first two “Myth” games, hailed as classics by critics and gamers around the world. ’s “Halo” franchise is an international award-winning action title that has grown into a global entertainment phenomenon, selling more than 18 million units worldwide, logging billions of hours of multiplayer action on ®, and spawning action figures, books, graphic novels, soundtracks, apparel and more. The critically acclaimed “”, released on Tuesday, Sept. 25th 2007, is the fastest-selling video game ever, achieving $300 million in global sales its first week, making it one of the most successful entertainment properties in history. More information on can be found at http://www..net.

Via: Bungie.net


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