Bungle Releases First Statement On 10-Year Partnership With Activision

Microsoft isn't going to publish Bungie's next intellectual property, Activision is. Your mind might have melted a bit, but don't worry, the rest of the industry is still reeling from it, too.

What's behind Bungie's decision? The studio should be making the rounds with the press this morning to explain themselves, but Bungie released a brief statement on their website already.

"The story of Bungie is wild, winding, and full of majestic wonder. We’ve treaded many pathways over these last nineteen years. But for all the twists and turns we’ve taken, we’re still doing what we set out to do from the beginning, back when the whole of “Bungie Software Products Corporation” consisted of two friends operating out of a basement in Chicago:

Making kick ass games that we want to play."

Keep reading for the rest of Bungie's color commentary on today's big news.

"And as Bungie has grown, the industry’s best and brightest have been totally accretive to our own creative margins. It’s no secret that while the full might of our studio has focused on making Halo: Reach, 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.

Today, we’re poised to open a new chapter in Bungie’s history—one that begins with a partnership between Bungie and Activision and ends where we always knew it would, with World Domination. Our Next Big Thing now has a concrete path, leading from our studio to the platforms of our choosing. The business formalities are behind us. Our Constitution remains unchanged. We are still Bungie, still independent, and now we are free to bring our stories to an ever bigger audience.

Next up, the most ambitious game we’ve ever made, Halo: Reach. Built upon ten years of experience developing the Halo franchise, we’ve assembled the best team, the best technology, and the best talent to ensure that Reach is the game our fans deserve. Strap in and buckle up tight, we’re sending our baby out with a bang.

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."

Missed out on our previous Halo coverage? No worries, we have you covered.

• Halo developer Bungie Studios has signed a deal with Activision.
• Bungie has released a brief statement about its shocking 10-year partnership with Activision.
• Microsoft has issued a brief statement responding to the Activision and Bungie partnership.
• Sony has issued a statement on the Bungie and Activision deal, calling it "great for all gamers."
• Patrick Klepek spoke with Bungie about the future of the studio, now that it's signed a 10-year deal with Activision.

Have something to share? Sitting on a news tip? E-mail me. You can also follow me on Twitter.