Microsoft and Bungie to split?

[zuludelta]

It's probably nothing at this point, and it's just some nasty rumor cooked up by a bored gaming journalist, but that's what we said Rockstar Games and Sony back before they dissolved their exclusive deal.

If there is some truth to this, i figure it's because Bungie has found some more leverage with the overwhelming popularity of the Halo franchise. Heck, I'm willing to bet that Microsoft probably owes at least a quarter of their console sales to the popularity of the Halo games. And to continue with my pointless speculation, I think Bungie might be looking to get out of their exclusivity deal with Microsoft so they can start making games for other platforms.

[captainspud]

I'll further the flimsy guess with one that's entirely baseless: Yeah, they probably want to make a Wii game. :)

[murs47]

I heard about this. If it is true It may not happen until they're finished with the Peter Jackson/Halo "secret project." Whatever that is, I don't know. Mum's been the word on it for almost two years now. It's been confirmed it's not a movie though.

[TheMarvell]

you know, Halo was originally going to be a Mac exclusive game until Microsoft bought them out. XD

At any rate, I think the reason for the split, if it's true, is more than obvious. I'm sure Bungie is super proud of the trilogy they created and will continue to make more games in the franchise, but they've been working on Halo for what now? almost 10 years? maybe a little less? Either way, it's been a while, and I can only imagine how huge of a burden it is to make such an enormous game. I'm sure they want to branch out and try some new ideas outside of the Halo-verse, and maybe come back to it after they've done something new and original, and possibly even on another platform. Afterall, if Microsoft only wants them to do more Halo's, eventually it'll get old.

[zuludelta]

Mum's been the word on it for almost two years now. It's been confirmed it's not a movie though.

Halo: The Broadway Musical maybe?

I'll further the flimsy guess with one that's entirely baseless: Yeah, they probably want to make a Wii game. :)

Halo on the Wii, even with first-generation XBox graphics, would probably be enough to convince me to get a Wii.

[Flying_Infant]

I'd totally punch spud daily to get a Wii Halo game.

[murs47]

Mum's been the word on it for almost two years now. It's been confirmed it's not a movie though.

Halo: The Broadway Musical maybe?

:lol:

[murs47]

Here's the word from one of Bungie's employees straight from Bungie.net

Bungie Branches Off

As you have no doubt read on the web today, Microsoft Corp. and Bungie Studios, have reached an unprecedented and exciting agreement – starting immediately, Bungie will become an independent company and will retain a long-term publishing agreement with Microsoft Game Studios for "Halo" titles.  The new structure became effective on Oct. 1, 2007.   The official blurb follows, but since you're a valuable part of our community, we thought we'd sum it up simply and concisely.

Bungie has long been built on creativity, originality and the freedom to pursue ideas. Microsoft agreed, and rather than stifle our imagination, they decided it was in both our best interests to unleash it. We'll continue to make Xbox 360 games, and we'll continue to make amazing games for MGS. In that regard, nothing has changed. All that has changed is that now Bungie Studios is once again, the property of the folks of Bungie Studios. Microsoft is and will continue to be, a brilliant, inventive and creatively collaborative publishing partner. Practically speaking, nothing has changed and you guys won't see much, if any difference, for a while  unless you come to work for us, that is – we're hiring at http://www.bungie.net/inside/jobs.aspx 

[zuludelta]

Holy crap! That's the quickest turnaround from unsubstantiated rumour to real news that I've seen in the gaming industry in a while.

From the statement, it looks like Halo is still a Microsoft exclusive, but I'd be excited to see what Bungie can do for other platforms now that they've broken free from Microsoft Game Studios.