Bungie separates from Microsoft, becomes Bungie LLC

´Halo´ developer Bungie really is separating from Microsoft, as various reports have already suggested. The studio will become Bungie LLC. Both companies put a slightly different spin on the consequences of the split, though.

Microsoft has issued a press release suggesting the two companies are ´to evolve´ and ´forge [a] new long-term relationship´.

Meanwhile, in Bungie´s statement the studio ´announces independence´ and celebrates its future as a ´privately held independent company (...) in which Microsoft will hold a minority equity interest.´

Microsoft quotes Shane Kim, head of Microsoft Game Studios:

Our collaboration with Bungie has resulted in ‘Halo’ becoming an enduring mainstream hit. 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 ‘Halo’ universe. We look forward to great success with Bungie as our long-term relationship continues to evolve through ‘Halo’-related titles and new IP created by Bungie.

Bungie quotes its studio head, Harold Ryan, and Jason Jones, founder and partner.

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. 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.

Sources: Microsoft, Bungie
Thanks to: HallwayGiant