14 DAY TRIAL // Video game developer Bungie has posted an official announcement on their website in which they bid farewell to all the fans of the Halo franchise and express their hope that the franchise will prosper under the watchful eye of Microsoft and the development talent of 343 Industries.
The message has been offered just as fans were celebrating Halo Day and emphasizes the crucial role that the fan community has played in the success of Halo, since the days of the first game in the series until the launch of Reach during last year.
The company says, “These last two weeks have been a celebration for us - a reminder of just why these last two decades have been so uniquely special for Bungie. More than ever we are humbled by your dedication and your loyalty (and now, even by your Halo: Reach skills...ouch). To date, you've helped us raise a mountain of money for charity and we're still going strong. Items can still be purchased through the Bungie Store and Xbox LIVE Avatar items can still be purchased on the Xbox Marketplace through September.”
Bungie says that it will be handing off the management of Halo playlists on August 2 and that the official website of the company will see a major redesign after that.
The company also promises a video feature on its time with Halo, with a look at the future, and says that it will be then offering less information and public updates before the official announcement of its new project.
At the moment, Bungie is working with publisher Activision Blizzard and rumors are saying that it is creating a new first-person shooter with MMO elements and a science fiction setting that will be released on the PC and on home consoles.
The first Halo game from 343 Industries is an updated Halo: Combat Evolved which is set to be launched during the fall.