Has famed Halo series developer Bungie parted ways with Microsoft? Some say yes. If this rumor is true, and an unnamed source from the Bungie camp says it is, Bungie is no longer a part of Microsoft. For an undisclosed but rather large sum of money, Bungie shareholders are said to have purchased the studio back from Microsoft.

The source said "Bungie is tired of making Halo, and didn't want to do future Halo games." Attempts to secure a true or false answer on the issue from Microsoft were met with the big M skirting the issue, and instead playing up the momentum they're currenly enjoying hot on the heels of Halo 3.

Despite the rumored Bungie buyback, Microsoft is said to retain "the right of first refusal" on future Bungie titles. It has yet to be determined how, if at all, this clause will play into Bungie's ability to release upcoming games on competing consoles.

On a personal note, even though Halo 3 was said to be the last in the series (not counting Halo Wars), I had always held out hope that there might be future Halo titles. Perhaps there will be yet. Perhaps not. We shall see.

Tags : bungie : Halo : halo 3 : microsoft : Xbox : Xbox 360

Comments

By: Evren On: 10:37 Oct 3rd, 2007 Online	They always said they were never going to make anymore HALO games. Not games with MASTER CHIEF in. We all know how games companies work, we have to think around what they are saying. And with Bungie leaving MS, apparantly, MS wants the HALO name. It doesnt matter to Bungie when they dont plan to make any more.

By: Dragonfly On: 10:49 Oct 3rd, 2007 Online	This whole thing is a convoluted mess. One thing you need to remember is that the Bungie website is almost directly tied into the Halo franchise. I highly doubt they would set up such elaborate website / game cross-implementation ON THE BUNGIE WEBSITE if they already knew they were planning to split. They could have just set up a new domain for the features. As a developer, they are tied into the publisher's interests. If they have managed to buy themselves out of the deal, fair dues to them. But that puts them into a dangerous position - now they need a new publisher, and more importantly, a new game worth selling. I guess we'll find out the truth sooner or later. Damn fine article Chance. Good work.

By: boa On: 10:55 Oct 3rd, 2007 Offline	We'll get an anouncement soon. There's too much noise for there not to be.