Bungie signs 10-year Activision deal

By Robert Purchese Published 29 April, 2010

Infinity who?

Activision has signed Bungie in a mammoth 10-year publishing deal. The publisher will have worldwide rights to "bring Bungie's next big action game universe to market".

"Under the terms of the agreement, Activision will have exclusive, worldwide rights to publish and distribute all future Bungie games based on the new intellectual property on multiple platforms and devices."

The press release points out that Bungie "remains an independent company and will continue to make their own intellectual property".

Bungie boss Harold Ryan said the studio picked Activision for its "global reach, multi-platform experience and marketing expertise". This suggests that the Halo maker is finally going to develop for formats other than Xbox 360.

The studio elaborated on the announcement via its website.

'Bungie signs 10-year Activision deal' Screenshot tippleryan

Activision COO Thomas Tippl and Bungie president Harold Ryan. Happy.

"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," the developer wrote.

"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."

"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."

Picture of Robert.

About Robert Purchese

Bertie is Eurogamer's Senior Staff Writer. When he's not hunting down news stories he's often found playing with his kids or gabbling about fantasy games and strange online worlds.

Read more articles from Robert by visiting the Robert Purchese archive page.

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Comments (198) Latest comment 2 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • LowEnergyCycle #1 2 years ago

    Is anybody else a little bit gutted by this news?

  • Huntcjna #2 2 years ago

    Holy shit! Thats something of a coup given the current situation.

  • aguaporf #3 2 years ago

    Oo

  • TheHammer #4 2 years ago

    Wonder how much the contract is worth.

  • TeaFiend #5 2 years ago

    Ok, I take it back. They won't be working for MS for ever and ever. I was wrong.

  • darleysam #6 2 years ago

    Well.. that's possibly the dumbest move they could make.

  • uglygamer #7 2 years ago

    So there games are likely to be multiplatform now!

  • Widge #8 2 years ago

    I guess this goes somewhat beyond megaton into Big Bang territory.

  • MiniAmin #9 2 years ago

    As pathetic as it sounds... I actually feel a little sad :(

  • Whatsfor #10 2 years ago

    With full creative control over their own IP?

  • KingOfIceland #11 2 years ago

    WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!

    Looking forward to seeing Bungie being torn to shreds halfway through that contract, Infinity Ward style.

  • udat #12 2 years ago

    Tragic :(

  • peteb #13 2 years ago

    Oh wow, I'm not happy with this.

    I thought Bungie wanted "Creative Freedom"?

    Then they go to Activision. Hows that work? Thats like THE OPPOSITE of a good idea to reach your goal of creative freedom.

  • Monkey_Puncher #14 2 years ago

    Big news, Activision can still suck a donkey dick though.

    Will Bungie be making Guitar Hero games now?

  • darleysam #15 2 years ago

    Also turns out, Reach will be the last Bungie game I buy.

  • stuarty_2003 #16 2 years ago

    Call of Duty: Marathon Warfare?

  • kinky_mong #17 2 years ago

    Halo 14 with motion tracking Master Chief helmet peripheral (that doesn't work properly) coming September 2011.

  • ps3owner #18 2 years ago

    so, I can play Halo online for free then? once it's multiplatform ;)

  • bushwod #19 2 years ago

    @darleysam how so? They can start a new IP and this time sell it multi-platform. If they have anything close to success they've had with the Halo series they'll shift shit loads.

    I'm assuming MS retaining the right to the Halo franchise though.

  • uglygamer #20 2 years ago

    Remember this doesnt mean that the PS3 will get Halol. Microsoft owns the IP
    Edited by 1 at 29/04/10 @ 13:26

  • thedaveeyres #21 2 years ago

    I expect to see a Bungie spin-off studio set up shortly. I give it 12 months.

  • smernicki #22 2 years ago

    Master chief in Guitar Hero soon then?

  • Yossarian #23 2 years ago

    Thank God Microsoft still own the Halo license.

  • miiiguel #24 2 years ago

    so, I can play Halo online for free then? once it's multiplatform ;)

    Halo IP is owned by MS and future titles will be made by MS studio 343. Anyway, interesting news, but it seems Activision will be publishing Bungie titles, it doesn't seem that they "bought" Bungie. Big diference.

  • drumbaby #25 2 years ago

    Let's just hope they can avoid creating multiplatform Halo-alikes, and do something fresh instead.

  • Vice.Destroyer #26 2 years ago

    How many games can a studio make in 10 years? 3? 4?

  • aldo_14 #27 2 years ago

    Presumably it's an exclusive publishing deal, not a fuck-you-over-bigstylee Infinity Ward style ownership deal?

    Still, I guess we know what they're using the MW2 bonus money for, now.

  • bratmandu #28 2 years ago

    Ah well, I'd kinda gone off Bungie products anyway (I've been boycotting anything activision). Good luck Bungie, I'm sure Acti realise Halo has been milked clean and will want completely new IPs not involving Halo.

  • Salaminizer #29 2 years ago

    I feel sad.

  • iamian #30 2 years ago

    Could just be a distribution deal, no?

  • muscleblade #31 2 years ago

    NOOOOOOOOOOOO!

    Is this a evil joke. Not funny.

  • Widge #32 2 years ago

    I hope they make a cracking new IP, like when those ex-Goldeneye bods made that FPS for the PS3

  • Markitron #33 2 years ago

    That analysts report yesterday doesnt seem so ridiculous now. A previously non-COD studio doing MW3? Never!
    Edited by 1 at 29/04/10 @ 13:33

  • MMJoe #34 2 years ago

    Oh dear. Given what's happened with IW, I wonder if there are a few squeky bums at Bungie? You never know though, Acti haven't bought them, so maybe they'll still be the masters of their own destiny (and games).

  • LowEnergyCycle #35 2 years ago

    I thought Bungie would know a little better than this, what with their desire for creative freedom.

    Maybe Kotick is an expert hypnotist or something?
    Edited by 1 at 29/04/10 @ 13:40

  • actionfitz #36 2 years ago

    "Bungie, the former Microsoft development studio responsible for the Halo trilogy of games, has announced a decade-long
    period of corporate prostitution with Activision"

    /facepalm
    Just. Wow.
    Better stock up on the lubricant guys... there be ass rape ahoy!

  • hardtech #37 2 years ago

    Reach will be the last Bungie game I'm buying then if I do buy one (As its technically published by MS if I'm correct in thinking?) and won't be buying anything with Actifails name on it.

  • Kremlik Verified Co-Founder, Crash To Desktop #38 2 years ago

    I dought Bungie were considering it until Activsion turned up with 5 trucks full of money out of pure desperation to try and get a 'known' dev team working on their games now IW has colasped

  • RobTheBuilder #39 2 years ago

    Ew. Why would you do such a thing...

    Oh. Yeah. $

  • andywilkie35 #40 2 years ago

    RIP Bungie

  • des #41 2 years ago

    ahahahaha....this year certainly delivers

    Poor IW...sacrificial lamb

    I knew that there was something going behind this whole IW drama.

  • Badassbab #42 2 years ago

    MS bought Rare but not Bungie????

  • muscleblade #43 2 years ago

    "Anyway, interesting news, but it seems Activision will be publishing Bungie titles, it doesn't seem that they "bought" Bungie. Big diference. "

    This is true. Too bad there wont be anymore Bungie Halo games to look forward to. Maybe a new IP for Bungie will turn out to be amazing aswell.

  • KDR_11k #44 2 years ago

    That doesn't sound like such a good idea for Bungie...

  • sfp_noodle #45 2 years ago

    Bungie $tudios anybody?

  • JahB #46 2 years ago

    wow. somebody at bungie will go to sleep on a bed made of money tonight

  • Mkwone #47 2 years ago

    @Kremlik,

    That is the best spelling of doubt i've ever seen.

  • aldo_14 #48 2 years ago

    MS bought Rare but not Bungie????

    MS bought Bungie in 2000, but Bungie bought themselves back 'out' after Halo 3 with MS as a minority stakeholder.

  • Gearskin #49 2 years ago

    Oh man... CoD What?

  • Rubarack #50 2 years ago

    "I thought Bungie would know a little better than this, what with their desire for creative freadom.

    Maybe Kotick is an expert hypnotist or something? "

    I can see it now. "Look into the 90 billion dollars"

  • Artemus #51 2 years ago

    Wow how many studios can Activision destroy? Prepare for a mass exodus in a few years.

  • AliRay #52 2 years ago

    Everyone's got their price, it seems.

  • RodHull #53 2 years ago

    Don't MS still have a minority stake in Bungie? Seems odd they'll be developing for PS3 if that's the case.

  • sfp_noodle #54 2 years ago

    come to think of it, and looking at this news in a slightly more positive light, maybe if they got them to work on a call of duty game it wud actually be a lot different and better? cod has been more than a bit shit since the benchmark tht was cod4. still shocked tht bungie went for this though

  • darleysam #55 2 years ago

    @bushwod, I mean due to my massive problem with Activision, I refuse to buy any of their games. If Bungie's titles for the next 10 years are published by them, that falls under this deal.

    edit: wait, did you mean it being a bad idea? Looking at why the IW guys are all abandoning ship is why. Activision think firstly of their profits, not their developers. Bungie bought their freedom from Microsoft to get away from someone telling them what games to make and when, and now they've signed up for Activision who are the shining examples of telling their developers exactly what to make and when. See the 'restaurant' analogy posted by the guy trying to defend them a couple of days back.
    Edited by 2 at 29/04/10 @ 13:42

  • Arwin #56 2 years ago

    10 years? Wow that's a long time. You'd almost expect something like an MMO ...

  • TeaFiend #57 2 years ago

    If it was not Activision it would be EA. Developers need publishers. Just like publishers need developers. As long as Bungie get their money I am sure they will eventually make some nice new products. Wonder how much tech they own compared to MS owning the franchise of Halo?

  • Zomoniac #58 2 years ago

    The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing Bungie he didn't exist.

  • MikkyX #59 2 years ago

    Call of Halo: Modern Warfare Evolved

  • RexRunti #60 2 years ago

    I though Microsoft had a first refusal deal with Bungie?

    Anyway all Bungie games will be shit in two years time now they've signed with Activision's representative Mephistopheles.

  • SpaceMidget75 Verified Senior Software Developer, Minerva Computer Services #61 2 years ago

    What's the betting that the Reach engine has secretly been geared towards multiplatform? Can't imagining them putting that much effort into a new (ish) engine for it to only be used for one game.

  • Widge #62 2 years ago

    I rate this announcement 8/10

  • tachometer #63 2 years ago

    Halo 4 Ł70 rrp

  • Seabeast #64 2 years ago

    A perfect mix really, Activision love to milk a franchise that barely updates every year and considering Halo 3 still plays exactly like the original did back on the old Xbox, a match made in heaven.

    Edited to clarify so the simpleton fanboiz get it :)
    Edited by 1 at 29/04/10 @ 17:35

  • Shrike #65 2 years ago

    Double-yoo tee eff?

  • dangercopperfield #66 2 years ago

    Not good news I think, but I'm sure this deal was well in the works before the IW thing blew up and bored the pants off us.

  • X3Entente #67 2 years ago

    what next will fall under acitivisons evil yoke, Kojima Productions?

  • GamesConnoisseur #68 2 years ago

    No multi plat Halo; and Bungie wanted creative freedom for new IP AND Acti gets a new well reputed Devs, and publishes all their NEW multi plat IP titles for next 10 years. Publishes but NOT ownership of either studio OR IP!

    So seems very clearly Bungie got the best deal but Acti get a studio who could do a good job with COD/MW so seems it's IW who is presently fucked four ways and Acti will be sleeply soundly after this.
    Edited by 1 at 29/04/10 @ 13:48

  • MiniAmin #69 2 years ago

    @ Seabeast

    Activision love to milk a franchise that barely updates every year and considering Halo still plays exactly like it did back on the old Xbox, a match made in heaven.

    Yeah. Halo plays exactly the same way it did on the old Xbox. Gotta love backwards compatibility :)

  • aidey6 #70 2 years ago

    I suppose this gives Treyarch another game to do on alternate years whilst Bungie are doing the main title, as they did a good job on COD:WaW imo

    10 years is an awfully long time though...

  • sfp_noodle #71 2 years ago

    this has generated some food for thought. a lot of casual games dnt know or care about who makes halo, which is disapointing coz bungie are awesome devs. however, theres every chance this might impact the sales of halo reach given the well informed (us internet geeks) hate the crap out of activision.

  • Seoh #72 2 years ago

    True that Microsoft owns the halo IP but there is nothing to stop them changing the name and continuing ala marathon becoming halo.

    To that end, Coming to a Wii near you Q4 2012 "Giant space ring FPS"

  • Fab4 #73 2 years ago

    I I think the phrase "FUCK ME!" sums it up ;)

  • MENTAL1ST Verified Senior Software Engineer, Picsel UK Ltd. #74 2 years ago

    For now, this is not (necessarily) bad news. It just means somebody outbid MS on the rights to publish and distribute Bungie's first non-Halo title since their newly-gained independence.

    Activision don't own them, so they shouldn't be in the same boat as Infinity Ward were.

    However, one may do well to remember that nobody (except some doom-clone loving Mac gamers) knew who Bungie were before Halo. Who played Myth and Oni (published by Take2), eh? And Halo's gameplay refinements that made twin-stick FPSs work properly for the first time on console were made in concert with the publisher people at Microsoft game Studios.

    How well they do on their own again remains to be seen.

  • RexRunti #75 2 years ago

    Halo: Reach is still published by MS, so doesn't full under my Activision boycott.

    To be honest if Activision offered me Ł20,000,000 to sleep with Natalie Portman I'd turn them down (though I might see if EA/Microsoft/Sony/the Devil had a counter offer).

  • imamazed #76 2 years ago

    29 days late...

  • Shrike #77 2 years ago

    Even if it is just a publishing deal, you'd assume that Bungie would be able to lobby for the same kinds of freedom that Respawn got from EA - i.e., publishing agreements for the first new title, but the right to shop around after that if it doesn't work out. None of this decade-of-servitude crap.

  • Quint2020 #78 2 years ago

    NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO O!!!!

    I though MS had first dibs on everything?

  • Shadders #79 2 years ago

    But but but..

    How can I go on being both Bungie's biggest fan and Activision's biggest detractor? :(


  • JayKwon #80 2 years ago

    Wow, I'm shocked. Looking forward to a new IP from Bungie, and finally the whole world can see why we love Bungie. But I ain't buying games from Activision unless it's REALLY good or fun imo. So it better be.

    Blur looks to become my first Acti game in years, and that's only because it's bizarre, most of my friends like it and are going to buy it and because I'm waiting for a decent Mario Kart alike funracer since launch of the "next gen" (other than Wii).
    Edited by 2 at 29/04/10 @ 14:27

  • sfp_noodle #81 2 years ago

    @ RexRunti

    i strongly doubt u wud turn down the chance to become Ł20,000,000 richer and get into bed with natalie portman my friend. in the same way, activision mustve offered some $50 billion to get bungie to sign the contract of hell with them. the offer must just have been too good to turn down

  • muscleblade #82 2 years ago

    "I suppose this gives Treyarch another game to do on alternate years whilst Bungie are doing the main title, as they did a good job on COD:WaW imo"

    Thats up to Bungie to decide as they still own their own IP. This is just a publishing deal. Not as bad as the heading suggests.
    Bungies new game will be amazing and the only difference is that its not Halo and it says Activision on the box next to Bungie instead of Microsoft. And finally PS3 owners will get to see why 360 owners love Bungie.

  • sanctusmortis #83 2 years ago

    Sorry Bungie, I won't dance with the devil. Reach is the end of our dealings.

  • Quint2020 #84 2 years ago

    I fucking HATE Activision!

  • Freek #85 2 years ago

    This is different then the IW situation. Bungie is not bought out by Activission, they only have the exclusive publishing rights. Bungie also keeps ownership of the IP.

    Basicly, it's what IW wanted to have, but could not get.

  • RexRunti #86 2 years ago

    @spf_noodle

    I would if EA/Microsoft/Sony/the Devil offered me Ł10,000,000 to sleep with Keira Knightley.

  • Koborover #87 2 years ago

    I hope Bungie read every bit of small print below all the zeros.

  • muscleblade #88 2 years ago

    "To be honest if Activision offered me Ł20,000,000 to sleep with Natalie Portman I'd turn them down"

    I would do that for free. I wouldnt pay for it though. That would be wrong.

  • sfp_noodle #89 2 years ago

    @ RexRunti

    ud take half the money to sleep with someone ugly?! u must really dislike activision then :p ill give u props, but in reality, i know what offer ud really take ;)

    also, who the hell gave u those negs, have a +1 from me!

  • beastmaster #90 2 years ago

    Didn't see that one coming at all. Ever.

  • MaoZedong #91 2 years ago

    Post deleted at 09:40:08 17-12-2011

  • FortysixterUK #92 2 years ago

    Guitar halo

  • dingo75 #93 2 years ago

    A hearty:< Nelson> HAHAHAH
    from the PC gaming crowd.

  • mazk #94 2 years ago

    Mind. Blown.

    This is a totally different situation to Infinity Ward. Ironically sorta like the deal Respawn has with EA. COD: Spartan anyone?

  • mazk #95 2 years ago

    Also, Bungie on my PS3. This is a happy day!

  • FortysixterUK #96 2 years ago

    ....And of course, the entire Halo back catalogue to be released on PC, PS3, Wii, DsI, PSP and Iphone

  • Ranger101 #97 2 years ago

    Bizzare Creations, and now Bungie. What is it about working with Microsoft that forces studios out of the frying pan and into the fire?

    Or is it the aquired taste of Cash? You work with MS, you likada monies...so you go to the guy with biggest sack of cash?
    Edited by 1 at 29/04/10 @ 14:13

  • Les #98 2 years ago

    "However, one may do well to remember that nobody (except some doom-clone loving Mac gamers) knew who Bungie were before Halo. Who played Myth and Oni (published by Take2), eh?"

    Their Marathon Mac games were more than just Doom clones. Myth and Oni though weren't much.

  • Ranger101 #99 2 years ago

    Also, why didn't they go to Bethesda? Imagine Bungie being partnered up with id Software, Obsidian and Bethesda's inhouse team.
    Edited by 1 at 29/04/10 @ 14:18

  • sfp_noodle #100 2 years ago

    @ Ranger101

    actually, to my knowledge, MS treated bungie quite well over the ten years they had their partnership. also, its well established tht halo reach wud be bungie's last halo game. they want to do something different. i jus never thought something different wud be halo warfare with the minions of satan

  • Ranger101 #101 2 years ago

    Is there a list of games developed or published by Activision?

  • SpaceMonkey77 #102 2 years ago

    Nice for you, Bungie.

    Under the skin, its pretty clear that this is Activision doing major damage limitation to the Infinity Ward debacle, which has obviously painted them badly by many in the industry and gamers too. After one of their big wigs getting the boot or leaving recently, they know we all hate them right now.

    Should be interesting to see what games come out of this, but Activision need to change a lot to win back any favour.

  • muscleblade #103 2 years ago

    "And of course, the entire Halo back catalogue to be released on PC, PS3, Wii, DsI, PSP and Iphone"

    I cant believe that there is so many uninformed gamers that dont know that Microsoft own the Halo IP. I thouth everybody that know anything about games knew this.

  • melch #104 2 years ago

    didnt see that coming :(

  • sfp_noodle #105 2 years ago

    @ muscleblade

    u do realise tht it was a joke right? activision are known to release their games on every single format imaginable, so his comment was just poking fun....i hope. either way laugh about it, its good to laugh :D it covers up the tears from this depressing news
    Edited by 1 at 29/04/10 @ 14:26

  • chubster2010 #106 2 years ago

    Excellent news - for two reasons:

    1) I think it's about time Bungie moved on from the Halo franchise.

    2) It'll be good to see Bungie products on other platforms - which will be win/win; gamers win as more people get to play Bungie games, and Bungie win as they get a larger audience.

    Good stuff.

    Let's just hope Activision treat Bungie better than they have IW....
    Edited by 1 at 29/04/10 @ 14:28

  • Acrid #107 2 years ago

    Bungie clearly likes to deal with the devil, first M$ and now Acti'cunts

  • sfp_noodle #108 2 years ago

    i agree with chubster and rainging_upwards

    the fact tht activision is their publisher has papered over the more important and exciting fact tht bungie's work will be available to a wider gaming audience. its win win for the gamer

  • chessboxer #109 2 years ago

    @ muscleblade

    You'd be surprised at how many people think that MS owns the Gears IP, or that COD (on PS3/360) runs on dedicated servers...

  • muscleblade #110 2 years ago

    @sfp_noodle

    Of course i did. Its not funny as a joke when its not possible.

    "And of course, the new Bungie IP will be released on PC, PS3, Wii, DsI, PSP and Iphone"

    Still not funny but a better way to prove the point imo. And Actvision isnt as bad as Ubisoft when it comes to multiplatforming anyway. Still hate them though.

  • doulema #111 2 years ago

    Bungie, I loved you and your work guys and you just broke some hearts. Way to go to the worst publisher of "Modern Times" and the worst publisher that's so against the gamers' privileges. Not only that but also now you will be from an "independent" team, as you emphasize,to the most pressured group to deliver due to your contract with Activision ( aka 1 game each 2 years etc ) when you dont know what that kind of work that means. Bungie never worked that way.

    Why the FUCK Bungie would you sign such contract with the publisher that fucked up so badly a talented team like IW? No matter IW's bad choices for their latest MW2 in the PC version still, noone can deny they were so talented to deliver such game. Shame, pity and regrets. :S Bungie, not just gutted, but also disappointed like hell.

    Like farticusmaximus said they were all cool guys. Just working for Activision fucked their whole image of them for me. Unfortunate.. Loss of respect.

  • sugarbaron #112 2 years ago

    R.I.P. Bungie.

    Here lies a developer who once made a truly awesome game called 'Halo', and then proceeded to milk it dry with a bunch of crap sequels and spin-offs... on second thoughts, they should fit in perfectly at Activision.

  • sfp_noodle #113 2 years ago

    @ muscleblade

    lol ok i think ur getting a bit defensive over halo. we as gamers know tht it isnt possiblefor halo to appear on any other platform. say if insomniac go multiplatform, we can have a laugh and say resistence or ratchet and clank will appear on 360, but it wont because sony owns the IP. theres nothin wrong with poking a bit of fun tho. relax :)

  • bad09 #114 2 years ago

    Oh dear, selling your soul to the devil is never wise.....

  • Zomoniac #115 2 years ago

    Is there a list of games developed or published by Activision?

    254 Call Of Duty games
    349 Tony Hawk games
    96,584 Guitar Hero games
    420,038 film tie-in games

    I think that's it.

  • Tyronne #116 2 years ago

    Yay...what wonderful news for gamers,

    Guess that any forthcoming d.l.c released for any new I.P will cost a small bloody fortune like that wonderful recently released 5 map pack for` Developer disintergrator 2 : the klumps`

  • ShiverinEskimo #117 2 years ago

    R.I.P. Bungie.

    They've crossed to the dark side.

  • muscleblade #118 2 years ago

    @sfp_noodle

    I dont think you got my point (bad english). Im very relaxed thank you. Have a nice afternoon.

  • sfp_noodle #119 2 years ago

    why thank u muscleblade u too :D

  • tomjoadsghost #120 2 years ago

    @chubster2010

    I don't think anyone at all is surprised or in any way disappointed by either of your observations, its just the choice of long term publishing partner which has provoked the reaction.

  • ignatiusjreilly #121 2 years ago

    http://en .wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Act...

  • GaryHoward #122 2 years ago

    If you look closely, you can almost see the horns coming out of Thomas Tippl's head.

  • LR100 #123 2 years ago

    Fucking terrible news!

  • sfp_noodle #124 2 years ago

    @ ignatiusjreilly

    lmao! u have presented us with the list of satans dirty deeds. may it hang on every gamers wall as a guiding light

  • MaoZedong #125 2 years ago

    Post deleted at 09:40:08 17-12-2011

  • cozeny #126 2 years ago

    Get money, get paid...

  • onyxbox #127 2 years ago

    Bungie are overrated IMO.

    Now they're not 'exclusive' they can stop getting all the blind favoritism from all the XBox fans.

    Question is... who got the better deal EA or Activition?... let the IW / Bungie war begin!!

  • miiiguel #128 2 years ago

    The main story here is Bungie going multiplatform

    Are you sure ?

  • Dave52 #129 2 years ago

    A big pile of money and the opportuinity to free themselve from the limitations that exclusivity brings.

    Could be a great move for Bungie, I look forward to seeing where they take it.

  • Machiavellian #130 2 years ago

    Maybe a lot of you are missing something but Bungie still retains ownership of their IP and their company. This is probably no different then EA and Valve. Bungie can do whatever they want and Activision just publish it. There is nothing to be sad about since Bungie now probably gets the lion share for their games. They do not have a master so they can make what they want, hire who they want and direct their business anyway they want.

    The thing I am interested in is how Bungie was able to side step the MS agreement where MS gets first rights to refuse a game. Did Bungie pitch a terrible game to MS first, then turn around and pitch the same game to Activision but instead with the real Ideal for the game.

  • miiiguel #131 2 years ago

    Valve is also distributed by EA and they only do PC and 360.

  • bad09 #132 2 years ago

    "lmao! u have presented us with the list of satans dirty deeds. may it hang on every gamers wall as a guiding light "

    Well to fair sfp_noodle, they were a good publisher once upon a time, some great games in that list especially those Star Trek games. I miss good Trek games worth playing :(

    Number 1, Bridge Commander and Elite Force 2 re-install. Engage.

  • Luckyjim #133 2 years ago

    That must make Bungie multiplatform now.

  • MaoZedong #134 2 years ago

    Post deleted at 09:40:08 17-12-2011

  • tobsen #135 2 years ago

    This marriage makes perfect sense to me. The sloppy cookie-cutter shooter that was Halo 3 showed that Bungie is every bit as greedy and focussed on the lowest common denominator as Activision.

  • Luckyjim #136 2 years ago

    @ Miiiguel

    But that's Valve's (I mean Gabe Newell's) choice. It doesn't mean Bungie share the same outlook. Knowing Activision, they probably wouldn't let them either.

  • miiiguel #137 2 years ago

    @Luckyjim, totally, I'm just saying it's not clear which platforms will be their next titles.

  • metalangel #138 2 years ago

    Gaming's descent into corporate suckage accelerates...

  • ignatiusjreilly #139 2 years ago

    Bungie can do whatever they want and Activision just publish it. There is nothing to be sad about

    What's sad about it is that this deal will probably make Activision a whole load of money and help cement their position as one of the most influential companies inthe games industry.

    I will cheer anything that might help their demise, and lament any deals that help keep this awful company in business.

  • sneetch #140 2 years ago

    It's not the same as with IW. Important part in this that some people have obviously missed:

    The press release points out that Bungie "remains an independent company and will continue to make their own intellectual property".

    Activision on the other hand:

    "Under the terms of the agreement, Activision will have exclusive, worldwide rights to publish and distribute all future Bungie games based on the new intellectual property on multiple platforms and devices."

    MS no doubt retain the rights to publish Halo related games.
    Edited by 1 at 29/04/10 @ 15:13

  • stevethemeat #141 2 years ago

    Boo fucking hoo. like everyone on here wouldnt go where the most money was, the way some of you are going on you could swear that Bungie just murdered your dog.

    They are in the business to make money, to sell their games to the highest number of people possible, this outpouring of "grief " is laughable at best and pathetic at worst, get a fucking grip.

  • thenastypasty #142 2 years ago

    Some of the comments in this thread are laughable.
    Edited by 1 at 29/04/10 @ 15:15

  • miiiguel #143 2 years ago

    Bungie have now slept with two of the worst companies in gaming.

    I can understand that statement towards Activision, though I can't when it comes to MS. What MS have done to hurt gaming? Aside from supporting PC games (or well, you can play on Linuxes if you want, I guess...), or networking to console market ? Or maybe competition to a quasii-monopoly ?
    Or that's only because of the "blue screen" in the 90s? Or maybe because they have lots of money, and as we know, money is bad.
    Edited by 1 at 29/04/10 @ 15:14

  • Quixz #144 2 years ago

    That's such a shame Bungie, I'm not buying anymore Activision goods.

  • ziggy_played_guitar #145 2 years ago

    Where the fuck is the ignore button EG? I might sue you if I haev to read another sentence from "lite" Daniels.

  • TeaFiend #146 2 years ago

    So people are unhappy Bungie has access to a massive cash printing company to work on a new IP they own?

  • DrunkDec #147 2 years ago

    All this Activision boycott talk - I wonder how many people used to boycott EA, and now buy their games?

  • darth_paul #148 2 years ago

    bah, as long as activiosn is just the publisher, no problem. its not like activision BOUGHT bungie, they're just publishing their games, thats it.
    bungie still gets to decide what they want to do (unlike Infinity Ward, which is a company wholly owned by activision)

  • kangarootoo #149 2 years ago

    @DrunkDec

    the whole point of a boycott is that you start buying the product again when the company behaviour changes. If you don't its not an effective boycott.

    Example. Gillette used to test cosmetics on animals. I stopped buying Gillette. They then stopped testing on animals, so I sttarted buying again.

    Reason being, my starting to purchase their products again showed them that their change in policy was worthwhile and resulted in new sales. If they didn't see a return in sales, where would their incentive be to continue with their new policy?

  • UncleLou #150 2 years ago

    Pretty crazy to make a 10-year agreement about almost anything no matter who your partner is. That's a long time.
    Edited by 1 at 29/04/10 @ 15:32

  • Kaminari #151 2 years ago

    "Bungie remains an independent company and will continue to make their own intellectual property."

    Yeah... in your wildest dreams.

  • lockload #152 2 years ago

    Activision is only publishing the games bungie is still independent unlike infantry ward

    Im sure bungie got a ton of money for this deal..

  • chubster2010 #153 2 years ago

    I understand peoples' suspicion of Activision (especially after the IW debacle), but let's not forget that (love em or hate them) they are one of the biggest publishers in the industry.

    They obviously had the funds, influence, facilities and sheer industry muscle that Bungie were looking for. And let's face it - where else could Bungie get the equivalent level of support they have been treated to by MS? It had to be either EA or Activision didn't it? And let's not forget that EA were the 'industry bad guys' not that long ago...
    Edited by 2 at 29/04/10 @ 15:58

  • oreillymj #154 2 years ago

    I predict the new IP will be an adventure game set in WW2 France called "Halo Halo"

  • kangarootoo #155 2 years ago

    When people say "Activision are only publishing, Bungie can still do their own thing", what they fail to realise is that Activision have exclusive world publishing rights. Think about what exactly that means.

    That means that Activision, IF THEY WISH, can publish games made by Bungie. They don't HAVE top publish them, they just CAN... if they wish.

    Bungie on the other hand can't have their games published by anyone else, anywhere in the world.

    What that boils down to is Activision being in a position to tell Bungie exactly what to do, anytime they like, because if Bungie don't agree Activision will simply not publish their games. If Acti don't publish their games, what are Bungie going to do? They are contractually forbidden to have their games published by anyone else, so if Activision don't publish them, they sell no games and they go out of business.

    Activision are absolutely in control of what Bungie do for the next ten years, because they are now Bungie's ONLY source of income (edit: unless Bungie sell film rights and so on, but Acti are Bungie's only source of game sale revenue).
    Edited by 1 at 29/04/10 @ 16:03

  • I\'mListening #156 2 years ago

    So that's why Bungie said Reach would be their last Halo game for 10 years!

  • Machiavellian #157 2 years ago

    I actually do not know what people are boycotting Activision for. Is it the price of their games, how they handled IW???

  • BlueHaze_Sean #158 2 years ago

    "They are contractually forbidden to have their games published by anyone else, so if Activision don't publish them, they sell no games and they go out of business."

    Is the contract in the public domain?

  • Golgo #159 2 years ago

    Suck Satan's Cock

  • geeza2020 #160 2 years ago

    activision just keep getting more and more unlikeable!! Never really liked halo myself and although i realise they wont be making halo games through activision, they will be making more FPS and i am thoroughly bored of them. Please no more shooters!!!
    Edited by 1 at 29/04/10 @ 16:10

  • chubster2010 #161 2 years ago

    LOL re my -2 - is that not the truth?

    Bungie are a business at the end of the day, and they had to make the deal that was best for them.

    People should stop being so precious.

  • lordofthedunce #162 2 years ago

    I don't think there's much to worry about, really. Bungie has already worked with Microsoft, so they're well aware of what they'll want out of a deal with a powerful business partner.

    I expect they were present at the contract negotiations. I simply can't see Bungie giving up creative control in that situation.

  • Machiavellian #163 2 years ago

    "Under the terms of the agreement, Activision will have exclusive, worldwide rights to publish and distribute all future Bungie games based on the new intellectual property on multiple platforms and devices."

    Actually we do not know if Activision has exclusive publishing rights to all their games or just games within a specific "New IP Universe". We also do not know the complete agreement but for some reason I believe Bungie kept a nice loophole just in case things get crazy with Big Red.

  • ignatiusjreilly #164 2 years ago

    Interview with Bungie regarding this situation: [link url=http://www.vg247.com/20 10/04/29/interview-bungie-on-signing-with-activision-for-a-d ecade/
    ]http://ww w.vg247.com/2010/04/29/intervie...[/link]

  • anomagnus #165 2 years ago

    Why? i mean, for gods sake, WHY?

    They're witnessing the destruction another development house, also famous for its FPS IP, and they decide that the best place for them is Activision?

    What a stupid, stupid move

  • kangarootoo #166 2 years ago

    @BlueHaze_Sean

    If the implication in your question is "we don't know what is in the contract", then I agree that we don't.

    But if Acti say "Under the terms of the agreement, Activision will have exclusive, worldwide rights to publish and distribute all future Bungie games based on the new intellectual property on multiple platforms and devices." I am inclined to think that is exactly what they mean.

  • kangarootoo #167 2 years ago

    @Machiavellian

    Ahhh, I'd missed the bit specifically referring to new IP.

    That does change my previous statement somewhat.


    Edit: though hang on a minute. If MS owns Halo, Bingie have no choice but to do new IP, right? So anything they do is covered by this.
    Edited by 1 at 29/04/10 @ 16:16

  • darth_paul #168 2 years ago

    @ UncleLou
    Ą wond€r whĄ they $ign€d the deal too!?
    Edited by 1 at 29/04/10 @ 16:17

  • chubster2010 #169 2 years ago

    @ Kangarootoo
    re ' Bungie on the other hand can't have their games published by anyone else, anywhere in the world.'

    The press release states:

    'Under the terms of the agreement, Activision will have exclusive, worldwide rights to publish and distribute all future Bungie games based on the new intellectual property on multiple platforms and devices'

    The key phrase there is 'all future Bungie games based on the new intellectual property' - Activision have the exclusive publishing rights to a single Bungie IP - so if Bungie want to make another IP, they're a free agent.
    Edited by 1 at 29/04/10 @ 16:18

  • UncleLou #170 2 years ago

    @ UncleLou
    Ą wond€r whĄ they $ign€d the deal too!?

    No, that's obvious enough. Still crazy to make a 10-year agreement in such a fast moving industry.

  • BlueHaze_Sean #171 2 years ago

    @kangarootoo

    "so if Activision don't publish them, they sell no games and they go out of business."

    I would think it is reasonable to assume that Bungie wouldn't sign a contract that has the potential to put them out of business.

    My guess would be that maybe that Activision have to publish (subject to reasonable exceptions) whatever Bungie give them.

    Edited by 1 at 29/04/10 @ 16:27

  • geeza2020 #172 2 years ago

    i got negged for saying that its likely that bungie will carry on making shooters. fuck me people on this site are fucking retarded.

  • superflyninja #173 2 years ago

    yikes...if Bungie retain full creative control Ill eat my own balls. Chances are they be making Tony Hawks Ride Guitar Hero 3 this time next year.
    Edited by 1 at 29/04/10 @ 16:32

  • BabyJesus #174 2 years ago

    Gah, Bungie you silly bastards.

    If you make a deal with the devil don't be suprised when you end up in hell.

  • Machiavellian #175 2 years ago

    I am with chubster2010 on this one. The wording of the agreement sounds like it is one IP that Activision has exclusive rights to publish for 10 years which sounds like a decent agreement. Probably will end up being about 3 games if Bungie have creative control and can set their own timeline and milestones.

  • SniperZoz #176 2 years ago

    :-( no no no .... aaaaa ... NO!

  • kangarootoo #177 2 years ago

    @chubster2010

    A good point. If they have multiple new IPs, maybe Acti only get digs on the first one.


    @BlueHaze_Sean

    "My guess would be that maybe that Activision have to publish (subject to reasonable exceptions) whatever Bungie give them."

    In my experience there is no such thing as a "reasonable" exception. The only kind of exception is one that is explicitly stated in writing. However, I entirely agree that Bungie aren't likely to go mental and sign over their lives on this one, so I'm probably being a little over dramatic in some of my assumptions here.

  • solidSnake04 #178 2 years ago

    10 years ?? come on...seriously guys

  • superflyninja #179 2 years ago

    wtf???? I say that bungie are fooked for getting into bed with activision and I get negged???? and others saying the same thing get +ed????????????

  • Gerryad #180 2 years ago

    yes I am gutted...even though I own a ps3, wii and Xbox360... I want bungie for Microsoft.. dont know why.. but I do

  • Reckless99 #181 2 years ago

    Just please tell me that Robert Bowling isn't their Community Manager.

  • UKwoods #182 2 years ago

    Oh dear, this will not end well.

  • Les #183 2 years ago

    "No, that's obvious enough. Still crazy to make a 10-year agreement in such a fast moving industry."

    Fast moving?! Shiny pixel games take quite some time to develop, especially the first one for a new generation when a new engine must be developed.

    And with the break-through of casual gaming destroying the profitability of cutting edge tech consoles, console cycles will probably be lengthened in the future.

    IMHO it's a sensible move from Bungie. In the end they're in it for the money and they don't care much about fanboy rants. MS drove them away by turning them into a Halo factory. As they can't do publishing themselves and multiformat makes you more money, they were going to end up with either Activision or EA. With the former losing a core FPS developer, they'd probably be willing to make the better offer.

  • UncleLou #184 2 years ago

    "Fast moving?! Shiny pixel games take quite some time to develop, especially the first one for a new generation when a new engine must be developed."

    Think back 10 years. What happened then - launch of the Dreamcast - seems like ages ago, no? Compared to most other industries with the exception of some things like telecommunication, gaming is an extremely fast moving industry.

    And with the break-through of casual gaming destroying the profitability of cutting edge tech consoles

    Exactly. Who would have predicted that just a few years ago. Pretty much proves my point more than anything.

    Obviously, we don't know the details of the agreement, but an agreement running 10 years is quite a rare thing these days, for good reasons, even in areas that aren't moving half as quickly as gaming does.

  • Syrette #185 2 years ago

    Microsoft better have something impressive - and exclusive - to show at E3.

    And I hate Activision, so yes I'm gutted.

  • Syrette #186 2 years ago

    Oh and we'll finally see some new Bungie IP.. just not only on 360. Nothing new there then.

    ms+newIPlol

  • Slipstream #187 2 years ago

    LOL Ten years!? I give it two, three at most.

  • RedSparrows #188 2 years ago

    'Microsoft better have something impressive - and exclusive - to show at E3. '

    I think their strategy has been pretty clear over the past few years: I doubt Natal et al will change it. You're not going to get 25 new IPs, but you might get one or two.

    In other news, funny how many people thought this'd mean Halo on PS3. Any more than 0 is an insult to brains!

  • dr_shambles #189 2 years ago

    Crazy stuff. What did they pay them in? Magic beans?

  • onyxbox #190 2 years ago

    So do we buy extra Halo:Reach content from Bungie via MS or Acti?

    Hmm. And are Acti going to expect Bungie to not spend too much energy on Reach (being an MS published product 'n all that)?

  • foamy #191 2 years ago

    did at least half of the people who commented in this thread read the interview?

  • monkfishjoe #192 2 years ago

    @LowEnergyCycle

    Yep - it's a bit of a dark day for creativity...

  • SavageEvil #193 2 years ago

    "Under the terms of the agreement, Activision will have exclusive, worldwide rights to publish and distribute all future Bungie games based on the new intellectual property on multiple platforms and devices."

    This is a deal to birth another IP along the likes of halo franchise. Good luck to them, and I hope that they come up with something good. Wish them well on their new partnership.

  • Les #194 2 years ago

    "Compared to most other industries with the exception of some things like telecommunication, gaming is an extremely fast moving industry."

    The technology moves fast but content generation (the business Bungie is in) not so much. And even technology wise, the Wii basically was the first revolution in video gaming since Pong.

    Halo was in development over 10 years ago (late '90s). Since then Bungie basically released 3 games, some map packs and an expansion if I'm not mistaken.

  • coolbritannia #195 2 years ago

    You're mistaken.

  • UncleLou #196 2 years ago

    Halo was in development over 10 years ago (late '90s). Since then Bungie basically released 3 games, some map packs and an expansion if I'm not mistaken.

    In 2000, they released Myth 2 and Oni. Just to get some perspective on "10" (or 10 1/2) years. ;)

  • Quak #197 2 years ago

    I guess not everyone keeps up with industry news then, though it's quite surprising that this someone happens to be Bungie.

    "History that is forgotten is destined to be repeated" is what they say, so just keep an eye out for BungieGate in a few years.

  • Les #198 2 years ago

    "In 2000, they released Myth 2 and Oni. Just to get some perspective on "10" (or 10 1/2) years. ;)"

    Guess I was mistaken a bit. ;)

    But anyway, to me 10 years seems perfectly in line with a new IP trilogy.