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QuoteMS spun: "Bungie Studios, developer of the Halo franchise, is to "embark on a path to become an independent company."

The Vole says it will retain an equity interest in Bungie and no doubt expect more from what it calls the "Halo intellectual property" which it claims it owns, "as well as other future properties developed by Bungie".

"While we are supporting Bungie's desire to return to its independent roots, we will continue to invest in our 'Halo' entertainment property with Bungie and other partners, such as Peter Jackson, on a new interactive series set in the 'Halo' universe" said Shane Kim, corporate vice president of Microsoft Game Studios

A spokesBungie said the firm will continue to develop, "with our primary focus on Microsoft's platforms."

"We greatly value our mutually prosperous relationship with our publisher, Microsoft Game Studios, and we look forward to continuing that affiliation through Halo and beyond," he said.