Microsoft has announced that Bungie Studios developer of acclaimed Halo series will embark on a journey to become an independent company. Microsoft owns the Halo intellectual property along with other future properties developed by Bungie. Microsoft will retain an equity interest in Bungine and continue its publishing agreement between Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie.
Bungie head Harold Ryan said “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,” and with great news for all Bungie fans “We will continue to develop with our primary focus on Microsoft platforms".