My Halo News.com

The latest news about the Halo series of games from Microsoft

  • Stick Different.

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    halo@bungie.org
    in
    trigger119 pointed out a vid in the MLG Gameroom called ‘Halo PlasmaTrotters‘, made by TTO AceHawk89 as an entry into MLG’s Halo 3 Film Festival, Most Creative category. I LOVE this kind of thing. Man… I could watch these all day.(Louis Wu 23:27:28 UTC)

  • Request for content

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    halo@bungie.org
    in
    Over the years, we’ve become known as a repository for certain static types of Halo information. Today, there are more sites out there that are collecting data… but we feel that having local copies of the more important stuff simply… makes sense. Fansites come and go, after all.

    With the release of Halo 3, we’re looking to build these sections up. Some of them we’ve already gotten started on; we have a volunteer working on filming the cutscenes, to add to our Cutscene Library, I’ve contacted Mike Miller about a Halo 3 Legendary Guide (though that might be a while in coming; he’s got some commitments that are more important than Halo at the moment), and there are some people working on a full multimedia library of the Halo 3 Terminals. There is still need for more volunteer help, however; we’d love to have transcripts of all the campaign levels, for example. If you’re interested in this, here’s what you should know: we’re interested in the dialogue for all difficulties, we’re interested in accuracy, and we’re interested in mainly scripted material. (It’s not very important – or practical – to try and catalogue the combat dialogue you hear – after all, there are 20,000 lines of it. But Cutscene dialogue, and in-game scripted material, including difficulty variants, are definitely wanted.) Send us some email (at halostory@bungie.org) telling us which level(s) and at which difficulties you’d like to work on, so that there’s not too much overlap. And thanks! (Louis Wu 20:12:09 UTC)

  • Gallinago Gallinago.

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    halo@bungie.org
    in
    Stuntmutt notices some new monster design might be more than just eye candy in today’s One One Se7en.(Louis Wu 19:14:40 UTC)

  • Another Friday, Another Top 10

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    halo@bungie.org
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    InsideVandy has posted a list of the Top 10 First-person Shooters – Halo 3 comes in second, after Half-Life 2.(Louis Wu 19:07:57 UTC)

  • It’s official: Bungie splits from Microsoft. Press Release.

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    rapture

    Press Release:

    For Release 8 a.m. PDT

    Oct. 5, 2007

    Bungie Studios Becomes Privately Held Independent Company

    Bungie and Microsoft forge new long-term relationship.

    KIRKLAND, Wash. — Oct. 5, 2007 — Bungie and Microsoft Corp. today announced a plan for Bungie Studios, the developers of Microsoft’s “Halo” franchise, to become a privately held independent company, Bungie, LLC, in which Microsoft will hold a minority equity interest. As part of this transaction, Bungie and Microsoft have forged a deep and long-term development and publishing relationship focused on the continued success of the “Halo” franchise. It is also the intent of both parties to expand their partnership to include new IP created and owned by Bungie.

    Bungie’s critically acclaimed Xbox 360® exclusive “Halo 3” achieved $300 million in global sales in its first week. Released on Tuesday, Sept. 25, “Halo 3” is the fastest-selling video game ever and already one of the most successful entertainment properties in history.

    “This exciting evolution of our relationship with Microsoft will enable us to expand both creatively and organizationally in our mission to create world-class games,” said Harold Ryan, studio head for Bungie. “We will continue to develop with our primary focus on Microsoft’s 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.”

    “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,” said Jason Jones, Bungie founder and partner.

    Bungie’s management retained the services of Don Leeds, senior managing director of B-Hive Global, LLC, to assist in the structuring of the deal and negotiating on their behalf. Bungie will remain in Kirkland, Washington, and is always looking to hire excellent talent.

    About Bungie

    Bungie was founded in 1991 with two goals: to develop games that combine brilliant technology, beautiful art, intelligent stories and deep gameplay, and to sell enough of those games to achieve its real goal of total world domination. Over the past 10 years it has produced games such as the “Marathon” trilogy and the first two “Myth” games, hailed as classics by critics and gamers around the world. Bungie’s “Halo” franchise is an international award-winning action title that has grown into a global entertainment phenomenon, selling more than 18 million units worldwide, logging billions of hours of multiplayer action on Xbox LIVE®, and spawning action figures, books, graphic novels, soundtracks, apparel and more. The critically acclaimed “Halo 3”, released on Tuesday, Sept. 25th 2007, is the fastest-selling video game ever, achieving $300 million in global sales its first week, making it one of the most successful entertainment properties in history. More information on Bungie can be found at http://www.bungie.net.

    #########

    For more information, business only:

    Bungie Global Media: Brian Jarrard, (425) 739-4900 ext.1, media@bungie.com

    Bungie European Media: Cathy Campos, Panache PR, +44 1483 401099 / Cell: +44 7768 535451 ccampos@bungie.com

    Bungie Online: www.bungie.net

    B-Hive Global: Don Leeds, donleeds@optonline.net, www.b-hiveglobal.com

    source: http://www.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=news&cid=12835

  • It’s official: Bungie splits from Microsoft. Press Release.

    —

    by

    rapture

    Press Release:

    For Release 8 a.m. PDT

    Oct. 5, 2007

    Bungie Studios Becomes Privately Held Independent Company

    Bungie and Microsoft forge new long-term relationship.

    KIRKLAND, Wash. — Oct. 5, 2007 — Bungie and Microsoft Corp. today announced a plan for Bungie Studios, the developers of Microsoft’s “Halo” franchise, to become a privately held independent company, Bungie, LLC, in which Microsoft will hold a minority equity interest. As part of this transaction, Bungie and Microsoft have forged a deep and long-term development and publishing relationship focused on the continued success of the “Halo” franchise. It is also the intent of both parties to expand their partnership to include new IP created and owned by Bungie.

    Bungie’s critically acclaimed Xbox 360® exclusive “Halo 3” achieved $300 million in global sales in its first week. Released on Tuesday, Sept. 25, “Halo 3” is the fastest-selling video game ever and already one of the most successful entertainment properties in history.

    “This exciting evolution of our relationship with Microsoft will enable us to expand both creatively and organizationally in our mission to create world-class games,” said Harold Ryan, studio head for Bungie. “We will continue to develop with our primary focus on Microsoft’s 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.”

    “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,” said Jason Jones, Bungie founder and partner.

    Bungie’s management retained the services of Don Leeds, senior managing director of B-Hive Global, LLC, to assist in the structuring of the deal and negotiating on their behalf. Bungie will remain in Kirkland, Washington, and is always looking to hire excellent talent.

    About Bungie

    Bungie was founded in 1991 with two goals: to develop games that combine brilliant technology, beautiful art, intelligent stories and deep gameplay, and to sell enough of those games to achieve its real goal of total world domination. Over the past 10 years it has produced games such as the “Marathon” trilogy and the first two “Myth” games, hailed as classics by critics and gamers around the world. Bungie’s “Halo” franchise is an international award-winning action title that has grown into a global entertainment phenomenon, selling more than 18 million units worldwide, logging billions of hours of multiplayer action on Xbox LIVE®, and spawning action figures, books, graphic novels, soundtracks, apparel and more. The critically acclaimed “Halo 3”, released on Tuesday, Sept. 25th 2007, is the fastest-selling video game ever, achieving $300 million in global sales its first week, making it one of the most successful entertainment properties in history. More information on Bungie can be found at http://www.bungie.net.

    #########

    For more information, business only:

    Bungie Global Media: Brian Jarrard, (425) 739-4900 ext.1, media@bungie.com

    Bungie European Media: Cathy Campos, Panache PR, +44 1483 401099 / Cell: +44 7768 535451 ccampos@bungie.com

    Bungie Online: www.bungie.net

    B-Hive Global: Don Leeds, donleeds@optonline.net, www.b-hiveglobal.com

    source: http://www.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=news&cid=12835

  • Weekly What’s Update – Bungie belongs to Bungie

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    halo@bungie.org
    in
    Whoa. Bungie’s managed to get the Weekly What’s Update up a LOT of hours early; never fear, though, it’s not done. As we mentioned on Wednesday, they solicited Halo 3 questions from the community for this one; they’ll be posting answers all day long. HOWEVER: that is not the big news in this update. The Big News is that (as the rumors earlier this week suggested) Bungie has become a private entity, no longer owned by Microsoft. Microsoft will still be publishing their games (for now), and they’re still working on the 360 platform (for now)… but they’re no longer owned by MS. And to that, I say… wonga. (Read the rest of the update, too; those questions that weren’t the big news? They’re still questions that are puzzling large numbers of fans on the internet, and Bungie’s answering lots of them.) A local version of the WWU will be up in our Weekly Update Archive later today, when most of the questions have been fleshed out. Looks like a thread has already kicked off on our forum, if you want to discuss this. Update: For posterity, the official press release is here.(Louis Wu 15:27:57 UTC)

  • Bungie Announces Independence: Press Release

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    Bungie.net’s Recent News
    Bungie is pleased to announce its new status as an independent developer with a continuing and mutually prosperous publishing relationship with Microsoft Game Studios.

  • Bungie and MS heading to Splitsville

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    by

    CapnKrunk

    As it was rumored earlier this week, Microsoft has now announced that it will be parting ways with Bungie, at least in terms of being a division of the corporation. Microsoft will still continue to publish and work with Bungie on other Halo-related projects.

    Quote:
    “Our collaboration with Bungie has resulted in ‘Halo’ becoming an enduring mainstream hit,” said Shane Kim, corporate vice president of Microsoft Game Studios. “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.”

    LINK

  • AVF Rocket Racing Guide

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    AVForums’s Recent News
    Having enjoyed Rocket Racing last Friday, I thought I’d write a quick guide to help anyone new to RR.

  • 10/05/07 Bungie Weekly What’s Update!

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    Bungie.net’s Recent News
    Get the popcorn out. Biggest News Ever. In the return of the Weekly What’s Update.

  • Games Still A Backward-Looking Medium

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    narcogen

    Daniel Radosh at the New York Times laments the dependence of games on cinematics for storytelling, and alleges they are stunting the medium’s development of its own storytelling vocabulary.

    While I agree in principle with his point, essentially this is just another “pig pile on Halo” story; since it’s the biggest release in the vicinity, it’s used as a touchstone for everything that’s wrong in gaming, even when there’s little connection between that game in specific and the topic at hand.

  • Halo 3 Music Contest at MySpace

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    halo@bungie.org
    in
    Empress Cortana pointed out a contest being run by MySpace – Xbox and Bungie are looking for music to be included “on an upcoming Halo 3 record” (wording further down the page suggests it’ll be an album entitled ‘Inspired by Halo 3’) – if your entry is selected, you’re on the disc, and you (along with 2nd and 3rd place finishers) will receive a Halo 3 prize package worth over $2500. You’ve got until October 22 to submit your entry; songs will be judged by a panel that includes Marty O’Donnell and Nile Rogers. (Be sure to read the rules – there are a few that might trip you up if you’re a music maker. Songs must be between 1 and 3 minutes, lyrics must be in English, no obscene material, no trademarks, and so on.) (Louis Wu 14:06:09 UTC)

  • Halo 3 Number 1 Seller Down Under

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    narcogen

    Halo 3 topped the Australian sales charts last week and sits in the #2 space among Xbox 360 games overall, just behind Gears, which it’ll probably pass soon. Interesting that Australia, which is a fairly good market for the Xbox 360, sold only about 12k more copies than Japan, which is not (although it is a much larger market).

  • Gamestop to rake in more than $80M in Halo 3 sales

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    halo@bungie.org
    in
    In this little piece in the Hollywood Reporter about how Gamestop (a retailer) is doing well and Midway (a publisher) is doing poorly, there’s an amazing tidbit – Gamestop will capture 25-30% of all sales of Halo 3, worldwide. That’s a rather huge number; I had no idea they were THAT big.(Louis Wu 13:47:49 UTC)

  • Another look at Big Science

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    halo@bungie.org
    in
    A couple of weeks ago, we mentioned Big Science, the guys behind the music used in the ‘Making of Diorama’ video – you can read more about how this gig came to be in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.(Louis Wu 13:43:33 UTC)

  • It’s cheaper to visit the HBO forum.

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    halo@bungie.org
    in
    Wow, this is sort of weird. Someone is auctioning off their friendship (as an Xbox Live Halo 3 playing buddy) on eBay – the Buy-it-Now price was set to $4000, but since bidding has actually kicked off, that’s no longer an option. Current bid is $20.50, with a day and a half left to go. Both Kotaku (where I read it) and Destructoid (where they found it) are pretty harsh in the writeups.(Louis Wu 13:29:01 UTC)

  • Halo Grudge Match – for Insiders

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    halo@bungie.org
    in
    IGN Insider looks at Halo 1, 2, and 3 to see what works and what doesn’t through the series. Unfortunately, it’s not readable without a subscription.(Louis Wu 13:21:42 UTC)

  • Halo earns big bucks for kids

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    halo@bungie.org
    in
    Remember that Special Halo 3 Xbox Super Bundle we mentioned last week? The auction finished last night – final price was $8,400. Not too bad for the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County! (They’re the ones this was for.) (Louis Wu 13:18:14 UTC)

  • There’s a reason some call it a ‘HaloBox’.

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    halo@bungie.org
    in
    Heh – there’s a story in the Rider News about the popularity of Halo 3; a Gamestop employee describes a customer trading in a Wii to buy Halo and a 360.

    “He spent $430 just to play one game,” Taylor said. “I guarantee that didn’t happen in any other store except ours.”

    I guarantee Taylor is wrong. <g> (Louis Wu 13:13:06 UTC)