Is Halo Part of Bungie Still?
The question on the minds of many gamers revolves around the fate of Bungie’s involvement in the Halo franchise. Fans of the series are always eager to know if they will continue to see new Halo games developed by the creative minds behind the original universe. In this article, we will explore the relationships between Bungie and Halo, the current standing of the franchise, and what the future holds.
A Brief History of the Halo Franchise
Founded in 1991, Bungie was a Seattle-based video game development studio that gained international recognition by creating the iconic Halo video game series. The first Halo: Combat Evolved was released in 2001, exclusively for the Xbox console and received widespread acclaim for its engaging storyline, immersive universe, and groundbreaking multiplayer options. Over the years, Bungie continued to develop and publish Halo titles, including Halo 2 (2004), Halo 3 (2007), and Halo: Reach (2010). However, in 2011, Bungie announced a new partnership with Activision, which marked the transition of the studio’s responsibility for the franchise.
The Shift: Bungie’s Exit from Microsoft
In 2019, Microsoft Studios (rebranded as Xbox Game Studios) purchased Bungie, bringing the studios back under Microsoft’s supervision. This change in circumstances led to speculation about potential future Halo titles and a possible return to the brand’s roots under Microsoft leadership. However, "Bungie is working on new projects, independent of Halo", leaving the franchise in the skilled hands of 343 Industries, a studio within Xbox Game Studios. This signals a new chapter in Halo’s history, with independent development and storylines driven by 343 Industries instead of Bungie.