The lights are on
Bungie and Activision have today announced that the two companies have entered into a 10-year publishing deal. Under the partnership, Bungie will retain its IP while Activision gains exclusive worldwide publishing rights for the games developed during that period of time.
“Bungie is one of the premier studios in our industry and we are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to work with their talented team over the next decade,” stated Thomas Tippl, Chief Operating Officer of Activision Blizzard. “Bungie has developed some of the most compelling and successful games, multiplayer experiences and thriving fan communities, and this alliance underscores our long-standing commitment to foster the industry’s best creative talent. Our unprecedented partnership with Bungie will enable us to broaden our pipeline of exciting new games as we continue to strengthen our industry position and pursue long-term growth opportunities.”
A post revealing the news on Bungie’s official blog was no less optimistic, though slightly less formal: “Once the smoke clears, all the pieces will finally be in place for Step 7. Don’t worry, though. We won’t let World Domination go to our heads. We’re gonna keep making kick ass games on our own terms, and since you’ve been so supportive throughout the years, we’d love to bring you along for the ride.”
Bungie president Harold Ryan says that the deal had been in the works for the past nine months, several months before the Activision/Infinity Ward fallout.
Bungie is currently wrapping up Halo: Reach. The multiplayer beta for the Microsoft-owned IP is set for a wide release May 3. Bungie was once a part of Microsoft, before the two companies split in October 2007. There’s still no word about what Bungie’s next project will be, though the deal with Activision makes it extremely likely that it will be available to more than Xbox and PC players.
[UPDATE]
We've gotten word straight from Bungie and some other industry insiders on how exactly the news will affect Halo fans and gamers in general.
Bungie says the timing of the announcement isn't perfect, but that it's great news for them and their fans
The deal makes Bungie the masters of their own universe
Gearbox's Randy Pitchford weighs in on the deal and what it means
Bungie: Another Halo game doesn't fit with our plans
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Why...? Aren't they watching Infinity Ward?
i don't trust this at all. with all that's been going on with Infinity Ward and Activision you thing Bungie would have reconsidered partnering with Activision. i really, REALLY hope great games come out of this deal.
Hello Halo 4 on Playstation 3. YESSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!
NOOOOOOOOOOOO!
@ Big Theotis!
seriously? the Halo IP belongs to Microsoft. so no Halo 4 for PS3, sorry. we can, however, see a brand new IP from Bungie (or maybe Activision will just use Bungie to make the next CoD game, ugh).
@ Big Theotis!:
the Halo franchise is owned by Microsoft,i think.so,no,i don't think Halo 4 will be coming out on the PS3.
Bungie, meet Infinity Ward. Infinity Ward, meet Bungie.
hmm, mw3 from bungie,, wonder wat that would be like,, in my head (mactavish; bollics,captain price was hit in the face with a needler,uggg,,, {grav hammer to back of head}),, hmm sounded better in my head than out,still interesting to see what it wold be like lol
How could Bungie do this? I have played and loved Halo gmaes for years, but now they are joining Activision! what about the whole Infinity ward mess? can't they see that Activision is screwed up?
this is the begining of the end for bungie!
Oh, well. Halo: Reach will be my last game with Bungie anyway. I don't like Activision and this exclusivity tans my hide.
Well, there goes Bungie now! Who's next?
I believe in this pic, Bungie is Red and Activision is Blue. Hint, hint?
ohhhhh suck it respawn lol. jk.
OF ALL THE DUMBEST MOVES ...? THIS CRAP!
Um..Is this supposed to be...good?
by bungie see you later.
I don't like this. While it appears to be a very shallow deal for publishing only, I don't like the idea of Bungie working with Activision. Something just doesn't click.
I don't even like Halo and feel bad for Bungie....NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
“The desire of power in excess caused the angels to fall; the desire of knowledge in excess caused man to fall.”