'Halo' creator Bungie splits from Microsoft
Just a week after the spectacular launch of Halo 3, the developer of the game, Bungie Studios, announced it is splitting away from Microsoft and to once again become an independent company.
Microsoft bought then Chicago-based Bungie back in 2000 and the original Halo game was one of the launch titles for Microsoft's Xbox, its first foray into the console gaming world. Since then the Halo franchise has sold nearly 15 million games, with Halo 3 reaching $300 million in global sales in its first week on the market.
While financial details weren't disclosed, both sides said Bungie's decision to leave the Microsoft nest was amicable, with Microsoft Game Studios VP Shane Kim, noting in a statement, "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."
Kim also stressed that the Halo license is staying with Microsoft, adding, "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."
One source familiar with the situation said the success of Halo obviously played a role in Bungie's desire to once again be out on its own, but said Bungie's move was a win-win for both sides.
Microsoft bought then Chicago-based Bungie back in 2000 and the original Halo game was one of the launch titles for Microsoft's Xbox, its first foray into the console gaming world. Since then the Halo franchise has sold nearly 15 million games, with Halo 3 reaching $300 million in global sales in its first week on the market.
While financial details weren't disclosed, both sides said Bungie's decision to leave the Microsoft nest was amicable, with Microsoft Game Studios VP Shane Kim, noting in a statement, "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."
Kim also stressed that the Halo license is staying with Microsoft, adding, "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."
One source familiar with the situation said the success of Halo obviously played a role in Bungie's desire to once again be out on its own, but said Bungie's move was a win-win for both sides.
- 10/6/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jackson joins MSN for 'Halo' collaboration
Peter Jackson is expanding his relationship with Microsoft Games Studio by creating a video game studio and confirming two upcoming titles. The Academy Award-winning filmmaker already serves as the executive producer for the upcoming 20th Century Fox and Universal Pictures Halo movie, based on Microsoft-owned Bungie Studio's best-selling game franchise. Now he and screenwriter Fran Walsh have partnered with Microsoft to create Wingnut Interactive Studio, a New Zealand-based video game studio that will develop exclusive new properties for Microsoft's Xbox 360 next generation console. Jackson, who recently picked first-time director Neill Blomkamp to helm the Halo movie, will delve further into the sci-fi intellectual property through an original Halo game that will be completely separate from Halo 3, which Microsoft already has announced will ship next year for Xbox 360. Jackson and Walsh will work with Bungie through Wingnut Interactive to develop a new Halo game aimed at the mass market. The as-yet-untitled game, which Jackson said has been in development for a year, is not expected to ship until 2008, after Halo 3. Bungie will develop the game with creative input, writing and direction done in cooperation with Wingnut Interactive.
- 9/28/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jackson joins MSN for 'Halo' collaboration
Peter Jackson is expanding his relationship with Microsoft Games Studio by creating a video game studio and confirming two upcoming titles. The Academy Award-winning filmmaker already serves as the executive producer for the upcoming 20th Century Fox and Universal Pictures Halo movie, based on Microsoft-owned Bungie Studio's best-selling game franchise. Now he and screenwriter Fran Walsh have partnered with Microsoft to create Wingnut Interactive Studio, a New Zealand-based video game studio that will develop exclusive new properties for Microsoft's Xbox 360 next generation console. Jackson, who recently picked first-time director Neill Blomkamp to helm the Halo movie, will delve further into the sci-fi intellectual property through an original Halo game that will be completely separate from Halo 3, which Microsoft already has announced will ship next year for Xbox 360. Jackson and Walsh will work with Bungie through Wingnut Interactive to develop a new Halo game aimed at the mass market. The as-yet-untitled game, which Jackson said has been in development for a year, is not expected to ship until 2008, after Halo 3. Bungie will develop the game with creative input, writing and direction done in cooperation with Wingnut Interactive.
- 9/27/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jackson joins MSN for 'Halo' collaboration
Peter Jackson is expanding his relationship with Microsoft Games Studio by creating a video game studio and confirming two upcoming titles. The Academy Award-winning filmmaker already serves as the executive producer for the upcoming 20th Century Fox and Universal Pictures Halo movie, based on Microsoft-owned Bungie Studio's best-selling game franchise. Now he and screenwriter Fran Walsh have partnered with Microsoft to create Wingnut Interactive Studio, a New Zealand-based video game studio that will develop exclusive new properties for Microsoft's Xbox 360 next generation console. Jackson, who recently picked first-time director Neill Blomkamp to helm the Halo movie, will delve further into the sci-fi intellectual property through an original Halo game that will be completely separate from Halo 3, which Microsoft already has announced will ship next year for Xbox 360. Jackson and Walsh will work with Bungie through Wingnut Interactive to develop a new Halo game aimed at the mass market. The as-yet-untitled game, which Jackson said has been in development for a year, is not expected to ship until 2008, after Halo 3. Bungie will develop the game with creative input, writing and direction done in cooperation with Wingnut Interactive.
- 9/27/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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