Famed Halo developer Bungie signed a ten-year publishing exclusive deal with Activision last month, but that’s not stopping bitter rival Electronic Arts from pursuing the developer and locking them in for a deal.
Bungie’s deal with Activision extends to only one immediate intellectual property, and, given the growing size of the studio, could spiderweb, a la Rockstar Games, and create sub-studios like Bungie East or something, in addition to the headquarters in Washington state. This way, Bungie would be able to enter into an agreement with Electronic Arts as well as Activision.
“We had extensive conversations with them, but could never really figure out a deal that made sense for both of us. It just didn’t come to fruition,” David DeMartini, Electronic Arts Partners boss said. “Obviously, they were able to come up with some kind of deal that made sense to Activision and made sense to Bungie and we hope they make great games. It’s healthy for the industry to have big independent studios that are making great products.
“I don’t want to see them fail – I want them to be successful. And when they start up a second team, we’ll have other discussions with them about that game as well – because they’re a great studio. There are probably only 20 studios in the world that are that highest level – and they’re certainly one of them.”
Whatever happens, the gaming world should be excited. Bungie’s making a game not called Halo. Weird, huh?
via CVG
Haha, in the random case that Bungie does happen to accept the agreement, Activision’s gonna be maaaaaaad