Die Gerüchte haben sich also bestätigt: Microsoft wird die Mehrheit an den Bungie Studios abgeben und nur noch eine Minderheitsbeteiligung halten. Gleichzeitig soll aber die Zusammenarbeit fortgesetzt werden.Microsoft folgt damit dem Wunsch von Bungie nach Unabhängigkeit, da man aber weiterhin die Rechte an Halo hält, soll Bungie weiterhin diese Gamereihe aber wohl auch andere Spiele für Microsofts Plattformen entwickeln.

Hier die offizielle Pressemitteilung:

Bungie Studios Becomes Privately Held Independent Company
Bungie and Microsoft forge new long-term relationship.

KIRKLAND, Wash. — Oct. 5, 2007 — Bungie and Microsoft Corp. today announced a plan for Bungie Studios, the developers of Microsoft"s Halo franchise, to become a privately held independent company, Bungie, LLC, in which Microsoft will hold a minority equity interest. As part of this transaction, Bungie and Microsoft 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 Bungie.

Bungie"s critically acclaimed Xbox 360® exclusive Halo 3 achieved 0 million in global sales in its first week. Released on Tuesday, Sept. 25, Halo 3 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 Microsoft will enable us to expand both creatively and organizationally in our mission to create world-class games, said Harold Ryan, studio head for Bungie. 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.

Working with Microsoft 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 Bungie 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 manatees, said Jason Jones, Bungie founder and partner.

Bungie"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. Bungie will remain in Kirkland, Washington, and is always looking to hire excellent talent.

Quelle: Bungie.net