October 5th, 2007 BennyB
As we reported earlier, Bungie is leaving Microsoft to pursue more creative game development. Due to the inevitable contract that Bungie is likely tied to, they’ll be stuck developing for the hdd-less, dvd powered 360 for the time being. That being said, it’s only a matter of time before we see Bungie exclusive titles for the Playstation 3. Perhaps Insomniac will teach them how to make dedicated servers for their first PS3 title. It’ll be interesting to see a Bungie game in HD as well.
Full Press Release:
REDMOND, Wash. — Oct. 5, 2007 — Microsoft Corp. today announced a plan for Bungie Studios, the developers of the “Halo®†franchise, to embark on a path to become an independent company. Microsoft will retain an equity interest in Bungie, at the same time continuing its long-standing publishing agreement between Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie for the Microsoft-owned “Halo†intellectual property as well as other future properties developed by Bungie.
The 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.
“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.â€
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Posted in Halo 2.5, Industry News, Other Systems, Playstation 3 | 28 Comments »
October 2nd, 2007 blasphemy
Oh Microsoft, have you learned your lesson by not screwing over the general consumer yet? Remember how the RROD problem affects 1/3 of wannabe PS3′s? Well now Microsoft is not displaying their so called fix to the problematic Xbox 360. The new 65nm CPU technology that uses less power and runs cooler (supposedly) is completely hidden to the consumer who wants to purchase a working dumbed down console. The packaging of the new Xbox 360 does not include if the console has the improved chip. Microsoft is trying to screw the consumer again with these unprofessional shenanigans.
Just remember if you want the best games and most powerful technology and highest reliability, the PS3 is the choice for true gamers.
Posted in Other Systems | 66 Comments »
October 1st, 2007 BennyB
Sick and tired of spitting out generic first person shooters, it looks as if Bungie might be leaving the Microsoft camp. This comes as no surprise after the colossal disappointment that is Halo 3. One can assume that Bungie is tired of working with low end hardware and they want to kick it up a notch to utilize PS3′s tech. Imagine what Halo 3 would’ve been like had it even been able to run beyond 640p at a decent framerate.
Full story:
A friend of mine who has someone close that works at Bungie has just been dying to tell me a secret about their future. Since the NDA officially expire today the sent me and email with the details. I have full faith in this contact.
The email is as follows :
“So heres my big secret. You should google Bungie + Microsoft + separation this week.
You know that big ol BILLION dollar franchise Bungie has created for Microsoft, to show their appreciate Microsoft is letting Bungie leave. Of course Microsoft gets to keep all rights to the Halo franchise, but as today Bungie no longer part of Microsoft. Ask anyone who works there to search the global address book, they’re no longer in there. Microsoft was supposed to release the press release today but if they wait till the 10/6 the impact wont effect the quarterly results. However today is the actual official date and the day the NDAs expire, however you still didn’t hear this from me.”
“Apparently MS just wants Bungie to make Halo for the rest of their natural days, and Bungie doesn’t like how MS is constantly trying to “handle” everything they do; the way they market their games, the way they interact with their fans (basically the fact that they do appreciate their fans), and how stingie they are with the profits (comparable to the rest of the industry). So as of today they are their own independent entity. They’ll probably make Halo 4 for Microsoft, however hey are also free to create new intellectual properties for whatever system they want. (Even though they prefer the xbox platform)”
“What a way to say thank you.”
Source
Posted in Halo 2.5, Industry News, Other Systems | 49 Comments »
October 1st, 2007 BennyB
Time for another (late) edition of the ever popular Monday Mail. This week we cover a couple emails about smashing systems and a reader begging SDF to change it’s ways…
From Jim:
Dear SDF,I recently obtained a PS3 after about a year of playing my 360. I enjoyed myXbox but when I saw PS3′s mind blowing graphics and Blu-Ray, I realized Ihad been missing out for a year! I played Halo 3 after playing Lair and I was shocked by how bad my 360′s graphics were. I than proceeded to pick my 360 up, drive it to a park by my house, and throw it out my car window. I stomped on it for good measure. Not only did a game like Lair blow any game on the 360 out of the water, but it had awesome graphics too! I hope that all current 360 owners can realize just how shitty your system is. Sony forever!
Thanks for the letter Jim. It’s good that you stomped on it to make sure it was dead but lets be honest here… you were just stomping a dead horse. The way that system red rings it was most likely dead from the harsh journey from your house to the car. It can only take so much abuse!
From Sebastian:
Please, stop writing fanboy-articles. It only breeds hate, which is the last thing that this world needs. I don´t care how much good stuff yoyu write about the PS3, but please stop talking crap about The X360 and it´s games.
We don’t write fanboy articles. We write the truth. We do not sugar coat it like other ad-driven video game blogs nor do we accept $800 grab bags to give Halo 3 perfect scores.
Posted in Other Systems, Playstation 3, SDF Mailbag | 22 Comments »
