Microsoft relinquished full ownership of Bungie Studios on October 1 the company announced on Friday. Effectively immediately, the creators of the highly successful Halo series are now an independent game developer. Microsoft retains a minority stake in the company, however, in addition to long-term Halo rights.
"Working with Microsoft was great for us, it allowed us to grow as a team and make the ambitious, blockbuster games we all wanted to work on," said Bungie founder Jason Jones in a statement. "They will continue to be a great partner."
Bungie was acquired by Microsoft in 2000 leading up to the launch of the first Xbox in 2001. The developer was largely purchased for its work on the then independent Halo: Combat Evolved.
"We'll continue to make Xbox 360 games, and we'll continue to make amazing games for Microsoft Game Studios," Bungie clarified on its website. "In that regard, nothing has changed. All that has changed is that now Bungie Studios is once again, the property of the folks of Bungie Studios."
Little if any difference will be seen by gamers the studio added. Microsoft was not immediately available for comment.
-- Blake Snow
