RayCarsilloWrites.com

Originally Published: May 1, 2010, on Examiner.com

Last July I talked about how Bungie had announced that they were working on what they thought could be a groundbreaking new project and that Halo: Reach would be their final Halo title. In response to this, Microsoft formed 343 Industries to handle future Halo titles as the two parties decided to part amicably after Halo: Reach.

So nine months have passed and not a word of what was on the horizon for Bungie has surfaced. Everything has been about the new multiplayer for Reach (beta launches next week) and how it would usher in a new era of Xbox Live and that Halo would always be in the good hands of a Microsoft owned developer.

And then this bombshell dropped on the video game community. Amid lawsuits and walkouts, Activision reportedly inked a 10 year deal with Bungie, supposedly to allow the developer’s secret property a chance at reaching all three major consoles. A major part of the deal is supposed to include that Bungie also retains all rights to their creative properties, a tremendous sticking point that has led to many of Activision’s problems with their subsidiary Infinity Ward.

Bungie has promised Halo fans that this will not affect Halo: Reach in any way, shape, or form, but this move will allow them to stay focused on Halo: Reach for the most part while continuing to move forward with their new secret project that, according to the studio on Bungie.net “…another core team, led by our co-founder and Studio Creative Director, Jason Jones, has already begun laying the groundwork to bring our newest universe, stories, and characters to life…”.

The obvious question that comes to mind is: what is this secret project?! What would require Bungie to terminate, albeit peacefully, their exclusivity relationship with Microsoft that could turn the gaming industry on its head? And, maybe more importantly, when can we expect to see a demo or some screenshots? All I know is that if it reaches anywhere near the status of the Halo series, then no wonder Bungie would be trying to capitalize on it as much as possible.

Only time will tell how beneficial this relationship will be for all parties involved. Hopefully 343 Industries will be able to handle the heavy burden that has become producing quality content when you develop as a rabid a fan base as Halo has. Also, it will be interesting to see how this helps Activison’s public image as they stick this feather in their cap to help distract people from the Infinity Ward fiasco.