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Bungie too expensive for Microsoft
Bungie’s Halo: Combat Evolved pretty much single-handedly catapulted Xbox into the spotlight, and Bungie has been courted by former partner Microsoft ever since they parted ways with Activision-Blizzard.
“I’ve heard that [talks] have fallen through repeatedly, and right now the price is too high and those talks have stalled is what I’ve heard,” said VentureBeat reporter Jeff Grubb. Bungie has recently started executing its controversial long-term Destiny 2 product strategy, but is staying mum about their next IP.
Soured deal: Halo: Combat Evolved launched for Xbox in November 2001, and Bungie kept making Halo games for Microsoft until Halo: Reach in 2010. The studio bought itself out of the partnership with Microsoft, and signed a 10-year deal with Activision-Blizzard for Destiny. However, their relationship soured and Bungie went independent again in early 2019.
Costly reunion: It’s not exactly surprising that Microsoft would like to partner with Bungie again, especially as 343 Industries is struggling to steward the Halo franchise following the underwhelming reception of Halo Infinite. Maybe Bungie could be convinced to return for one last hurrah?
Update: Bungie CEO Pete Parsons has commented on the rumour and claims that “this is false.”