In just a few days, Microsoft and 343 industries will be launching Halo Infinite's campaign. Meanwhile, the original creators of the series, Bungie, will be making preparations for the studio's 30th anniversary. Microsoft acquired Bungie in 2000, only a year after the launch of Halo: Combat Evolved. The developer eventually parted ways with Microsoft in 2007 and signed a ten-year publishing deal with Activision in April 2010 for the Destiny series. As of January 2019 Bungie ended its partnership with Activision and took Destiny into its own hands.
In a conversation with Axios, Microsoft‘s head of gaming, Phil Spencer said he understands why the split with Microsoft happened. "At the time they had big ambitions," he said. "They had sold their business for a certain amount of money. They saw what Halo turned into. And it’s like, ‘OK, Microsoft benefited more than Bungie did from the success of Halo.’ There’s no other story that can be written there.”
Of course, Bungie went on to do big things after the two parted ways. "If you’re saying, ‘Hey, I think I’ve got another one of those in me. I want to really take another chance,’ I can understand the allure of doing that as an independent company,” said Spencer referring to the Destiny series.
When asked if Microsoft could have held on to Bungie, Spencer said, "Could we do it today? I think we could.”
The Anniversary update for Destiny 2 will be adding a whole host of new content, mechanics and updates to the game. The developer recently released a few images featuring weapons and armour inspired by the Halo series. These include a Pulse Rifle resembling Halo's MA40 Battle Rifle and a Trace Rifle with features similar to Halo's Type-52 Special Applications Rifle.
Among the other changes coming with the update is a complete revamp of the armour mods system. Players will no longer require Glimmer or any other in-game currency to swap mods and will also soon be able to do so via third party companion apps. Additionally, you'll soon be able to change ornaments, weapon perks, shaders, and ghost projections via these apps.
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