Bungie, Microsoft Split Up

One of the oddest rumors in the last week, completely contrary to any logical sense, was that Bungie would be splitting from Microsoft. The rumor was one of those things where a friend of a friend of an employee who works in the same building…blah blah blah. At the time, hell, even now it seems ridiculous that the two would part ways after the $300 million dollar success that is Halo 3.

Sure enough though, the two gaming heavyweights are ‘evolving’ according to a press release this morning. Bungie’s goal is independence from the software behemoth, though Microsoft will retain equity interest (i.e. a leash) in current IPs (Halo) and future titles to be developed.

Harold Ryan, studio head for Bungie, confirmed their continuing support of the Xbox platform for future titles but made it clear they want to step out to other opportunities in gaming. “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.”

So I guess it be true. Will this mean less Halo? Not a chance, says Corporate VP for MS 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