Bungie and Activision Sign 10 year contract

That’s a long time, probably longer than most mirages last.  Bungie (Halo 1-3, Halo ODST and upcoming Halo: Reach) split from Microsoft 3 years ago and since then has enjoyed its relative freedom.  The industry giants of Bungie and Activision have signed a 10 year contract with each other that will allow for the studio to have the rights to the IP (Intellectual Property) it creates in return for allowing Activision (Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2) the sole rights to publish and distribute their titles in the 10 year period of their contract.  According to the president of Bungie, Garold Ryan, he states about the deal, “We chose to partner with Activision on our next IP because of their global reach, multi-platform experience, and marketing expertise….it is clear that Actvision supports our commitment to giving our fans the best possible gaming experiences.”

And really, that’s what it’s all about, the best gaming experience during a single player campaign or a multiplayer noob slaying fest that we strive for as gamers.  So even though Activision has somewhat shafted Infinity Ward in a matter of speaking, and has shown that in offering their DLC for an obnoxious $15.00 a pop (2 DLC map packs for MW2 so far) they are money hungry turds, that doesn’t mean I will not play and pay for their games.  If it rocks it rocks.  Unless they are caught red-handed participating in the genocide going on in an African country, then I will play their games.  Some of you I know have taken a stand and are boycotting them just for the expensive DLC they have been offering and their rat race multiplayer maps.

What will be Bungie’s next big blockbuster?  Something similar to Halo?  I don’t know yet.  All I know is that the Halo games rock and whatever else they produce they have a proven track record for delivering the goods.  So expectations will be high and hopefully their upcoming titles will make our jaws drop and immerse us in a great story and game like the Halo franchise has done.

Here is a rundown of unlikely allies when it comes to gaming studios that have partnered up in the past:

Disney and Square

Blizzard & Activision

BioWare and Electronic Arts

Epic and Midway

Bethesda and id Software