EastTexasMinis

Not sure if this is where this should be...

[UPDATE — Friday, October 5, 6:20 PM EST — Bungie has replied to a few questions we sent them. Check our interview with Bungie about life post-Microsoft-ownership]

A week of rumors, started by a blogger Jacob Metcalf, have been proven true. Bungie Studios, creators of Microsoft’s blockbuster “Halo” franchise, are going independent.

The studio had been owned by Microsoft since 2000.

According to the official statement:

Microsoft will retain an equity interest in Bungie, at the same time continuing its long-standing publishing agreement between Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie for the Microsoft-owned “Halo” intellectual property as well as other future properties developed by Bungie.

Note that Microsoft will retain all rights to “Halo,” which perhaps legitimizes this blog’s early handicapping of which other developers Microsoft might tap if it wants to continue to expand the franchise.

But Bungie is now free to make what it wants for whoever it wants. At this time, Bungie suggests that they may stick to some familiar things. Here’s Harold Ryan, studio head of Bungie, in today’s statement:

“We will continue to develop with our primary focus on Microsoft platforms; we greatly value our mutually prosperous relationship with our publisher, Microsoft Game Studios; and we look forward to continuing that affiliation through ‘Halo’ and beyond.”

And here’s Shane Kim, corporate vp of Microsoft Game Studios, mapping out the “Halo” and Bungie/MS future:

“Our collaboration with Bungie has resulted in ‘Halo’ becoming an enduring mainstream hit … While we are supporting Bungie’s desire to return to its independent roots, we will continue to invest in our ‘Halo’ entertainment property with Bungie and other partners, such as Peter Jackson, on a new interactive series set in the ‘Halo’ universe. We look forward to great success with Bungie as our long-term relationship continues to evolve through ‘Halo’-related titles and new IP created by Bungie.”

And here’s more from a chipper-sounding Bungie co-founder Jason Jones:

“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. And they will continue to be a great partner. But Bungie is like a shark. We have to keep moving to survive. We have to continually test ourselves, or we might as well be dolphins. Or manatees,“

MS will hold a minority interest in Bungie, which is once more an independent.

So… anyone up for a Bungie game on the PS3 or Wii?