Bungie is independent again

[C-Kwik]

http://www.bungie.net/News/con...12835

Though, it sounds like they will still have a strong relationship with MS. So no Halo on PS3 thoughts should start dancing in some of your heads.

I'm actually happy for them if this is what they wanted and actually think it's a positive move for both sides and consequently 360 owners. With their close working relationship with MS and now a duty to themselves to be responsible for their own success, it may spawn a great deal of opportunity and motivation for Bungie to really do some amazing things.

[TrustME]

I was a bit suprised to hear this the other day, but actually knew it was coming. With so much success Bungie was having with the Halo brand it was only right they branch away and make games everyone can enjoy, not just 360 owners.

[C-Kwik]

I don't think there is any immediate plan or perhaps even in the foreseeable future that Bungie will focus on any other platform other than the 360 and maybe the PC. MS still owns a minority stake (I heard 49%) and all articles I've seen about it indicate that MS will be publishing all of their games. My guess is that the split was seen as mutually beneficial. By putting Bungie's success back in their hands, it puts them in a position to have to strive for a better product. If MS is publishing their titles, especially for the 360, then any improvements Bungie makes will be beneficial to MS. If Bungie were still wholly owned by MS, it would mean that there would be less incentive to truly make successful titles. By making Bungie independent, it allows the top guys there to make quite the pretty penny if they succeed. I think the relationship they shared with MS has launched both of them into success. But moving forward, both companies have less to gain from each other as a single entity. They need room to grow at their own paces.

Another positive side effect is that Bungie and MS will gain a sense of individuality that they haven't shared since the original Halo was released. There can no longer be anymore criticism of either entity and their dependence or limitations placed on each other...it just works out real well from a PR standpoint....

[redtop91]

Another positive side effect is that Bungie and MS will gain a sense of individuality that they haven't shared since the original Halo was released. There can no longer be anymore criticism of either entity and their dependence or limitations placed on each other...it just works out real well from a PR standpoint....

99% of the Halo/MS haters out there are too dumb to discern the difference really. I'm happy for Bungie, but unless MS was an oppressive dictator I don't see any difference that would be made except for maybe a legal one.

[MinisterofDOOM]

I think the biggest key difference is that now Bungie can develop what they want, rather than what MS wants. And they can develop it on their schedule instead of Microsoft's. Those could both mean great things for future Bungie products.

But...I'm far from a Bungie fan (I don't hate them...but I'm certainly not impressed) and I think it'll take more than just "freedom" from a MS to improve the fruits of their efforts.

I'm curious to see if they'll venture off into new IPs and what they'll be if they do.

[C-Kwik]

nohting would motivate bungie's owners more than the possibility of making more money. In most cases, better products equates to more money. Great things are possible, but it really depends on how Bungie decides to run with the ball...