(Newser)
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Microsoft is parting ways with Bungie Studios, masterminds behind the Halo video-game franchise, which it acquired in 2000. The software giant announced the news just one day after proclaiming that “Halo 3” had eclipsed the $300-million mark in global sales. Though Bungie goes independent, Gates-led Microsoft will maintain an undisclosed ownership stake.
In an interview with Seattle Post-Intelligencer blogger Todd Bishop, Microsoft Game Studios exec Shane Kim said Microsoft's revenue from Bungie games would remain the same. While dodging most questions about the financial details, Bungie's CEO said of the split, “This is just about that feeling of entrepreneurial independence.”
