Friday, October 05, 2007

Worst exit strategy this side of Iraq

Bungie Studios, makers of the wildly successful Halo video games, have proudly announced their renewed independence from Microsoft.

Isn't that a bit like Jennifer Anniston announcing her separation from Brad Pitt?

Back in 2000, Microsoft needed a game to help establish the Xbox as a contender in the console wars. They purchased Bungie for a reported $20 million. Now seven years later, Microsoft maintains complete ownership and control of what has become a billion-dollar franchise. Bungie are pretty much right back where they started, and it seems unlikely they will ever create another game as successful as Halo.

I doubt Jennifer will ever land another Brad, either.