10-05-2007, 04:34 PM
Confirming suspicions from earlier this week, Microsoft announced today they have released Bungie Studios "to embark on a path to become an independent company." The studio will remain in its Kirkland, Washington offices and maintain a strong publishing relationship with Microsoft.
As expected, Microsoft retains all rights to the Halo franchise, but Bungie will remain involved in overseeing the development of current (Halo Wars, the Peter Jackson collaboration) and future Halo titles. That doesn't, however, necessarily mean they'll be on Halo 4 or whatever Microsoft plots next for the franchise. With $300 million in the bank on the first week alone, the Halo IP isn't going anywhere.
"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 Bungie studio head Harold Ryan in the press release. "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."
This works out well for both parties. 1UP learned much of the disagreement between the two companies was derived from intense deadlines that frustrated Bungie. Instead of creative folks jumping ship and leaving Microsoft with a crippled Bungie, the studio gets creative independence and Microsoft keeps their flagship developer. It's a smart business move on Microsoft's part.
source
As expected, Microsoft retains all rights to the Halo franchise, but Bungie will remain involved in overseeing the development of current (Halo Wars, the Peter Jackson collaboration) and future Halo titles. That doesn't, however, necessarily mean they'll be on Halo 4 or whatever Microsoft plots next for the franchise. With $300 million in the bank on the first week alone, the Halo IP isn't going anywhere.
"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 Bungie studio head Harold Ryan in the press release. "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."
This works out well for both parties. 1UP learned much of the disagreement between the two companies was derived from intense deadlines that frustrated Bungie. Instead of creative folks jumping ship and leaving Microsoft with a crippled Bungie, the studio gets creative independence and Microsoft keeps their flagship developer. It's a smart business move on Microsoft's part.
source