Halo Maker Parts From Microsoft

Bungie, the developer of the hugely popular Halo series, is to part company with owner Microsoft.

In a statement, the two firms said they would “forge a new long-term partnership” based around new games. The move will surprise many in the games industry, despite rumours about a split in recent weeks.

Bungie is now a privately held company in which Microsoft holds a minority stake. Recent release Halo 3 made $300m (£150m) in its first week on sale.

On the Bungie website, Frank O’Connor, lead writer on Halo, explained the move to the community of fans: "Bungie has long been built on creativity, originality and the freedom to pursue ideas. Microsoft agreed, and rather than stifle our imagination, they decided it was in both our best interests to unleash it."

BBC