Sometimes I marvel at how I get these things right when the interweb starts spinning with rumors. In my recent article, Bungie Leaving Microsoft - So What, I predicted that this was nothing more than the usual “we want to explore our creativity” type of thing. I submit to you the following quote from my article.
“They may have a case of the “big head” disease and want to all form their own little independent company that allows them to better showcase their creativity etc…” said Deacon.
And now I present to you the words from Bungie Studios in today’s press release detailing the Bungie and Microsoft separation.
“This exciting evolution of our relationship with Microsoft will enable us to expand both creatively and organizationally in our mission to create world-class games,” said Harold Ryan, studio head for Bungie.
Sound like something you’ve already heard? I simply say good luck to them but if you read the rest of my original article, you’ll understand where this all might lead.
Master Chief says “in your face” to Lee Majors, the 6 Million Dollar Man. Halo 3 and its legendary hero took in more than 300 million dollars in its first week continuing its dominance over the world of video games. It’s the fastest-selling video game ever. Do you believe now? I wonder who’s picking up the tab for pizza at Microsoft?
“Halo is truly a cultural phenomenon, and the launch of Halo 3 is an important milestone for Xbox 360 and for video games as entertainment and as an art form,” said Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft. “Halo 3 embodies our vision for the future of entertainment, where some of the world’s greatest creative minds will deliver a new generation of interactive storytelling.”
I’ve heard all the latest rumors and hype surrounding Bungie leaving Microsoft. This ofcourse originates from one of the interweb’s finest cry for hits campaign to date. These interweb junkies are clever I tell you. They even used the “I have a friend” line to really draw us in. I have two words for you that sum up what I feel. So what?
If this turns out to be slightly true and Bungie gains some form of independence in developing titles, so what is what I say. They may have a case of the “big head” disease and want to all form their own little independent company that allows them to better showcase their creativity etc., but again so what? There have been many cases of developers getting bright ideas like this to pursue “creativity” and most of them end up with games that hardly anyone cares about. So why would Bungie walk that path and travel back down a Mac route or perhaps develop for other platforms? Don’t answer that because again, so what?
Microsoft has its fill of Halo for years to come. This franchise will be making money for Microsoft when most of us are in nursing homes with the Xbox 840. At that point Bungie will either be known as that independent company who once made Halo or that Microsoft studio who continues to push out ridiculously advertised titles for Microsoft. My mom used to always say to me “the grass isn’t always greener on the other side”.
These are pages taken from the diary of DeaconBlade during the last Unscripted Nights event. These are actual events taken place in battles on various lands. Many would fight in these wars that came to be known as the 7 Second Wars. I give you the first chronicle from those wars.
Diary of DeaconBlade - Service Tag D74 - Spartan Apprentice, Grade 1
7 Second Wars, Chapter 1
There I was in the face of danger. I stared directly in death’s eyes and did not blink. I was equipped only with a battle rifle. I stood no chance against it. The odds were against me as it revved its engine and headed straight for me. I stood there facing a massive Warthog being driven by a Crazzy Spartan hell bent on my destruction. He might have succeeded had I not noticed at the last second, a pile of spike grenades only a few feet in front of me.
I rushed with no fear and a spike grenade in hand
There was no fancy way to title this article so I just went with the facts. To all those who doubted the power that is Master Chief, take a back seat to what turned out to be the biggest entertainment launch in history taking in an estimated $170 million in sales in the United States. It did this in its first 24 hours!
“Halo 3 has become a pop-culture phenomenon,” said Shane Kim, corporate vice president of Microsoft Game Studios. “Not only is Halo 3 setting sales records, it’s also redefining entertainment. Within the first 20 hours alone, we’ve seen more than a million Xbox LIVE members come online to play Halo 3 - that makes September 25 the most active Xbox LIVE gaming day in history.”
Pay attention to this Ensemble Studios because you’re up next with this Halo machine. Halo Wars better be good. Congratulations to the guys and girls at Bungie Studios as well as Microsoft. You did what many thought couldn’t be done. Ok, enough Halo 3 news. Let’s all just play the damn game now! Don’t forget the exclusive content for Xbox Live Gold members up until September 30th.
I know you’re all happy that I’m back. I come back with videos and a lot of goodies. I’ll get to the goodies later in another article but let’s all take a moment to relive the adventure that was the Halo 3 launch. It turned out to be the biggest day in entertainment history! I’ll have more on that later.
In the meantime, check out all the video footage from U360 below! I embedded the clip when someone stole the Halo 3 Edition Xbox 360 from me. You can access all the other videos at the Halo 3 Pre Launch Series here.
Video: Halo 3 Pre Launch Party in Dallas
You knew it would happen. With the launch of the most anticipated game in videogame history releasing yesterday, it only made sense for the most anticipated gathering on Xbox Live to return. Unscripted Nights is on this Friday! After the live show last night, a few of us got together and had an impromptu event with Halo 3 and it was a blast. They forced me into jumping straight into the multiplayer of Halo 3 before even touching the campaign. But it was worth all the fun.
This Friday I want to invite everyone to an Unscripted Nights event with me and the U360 community.
When: Friday, September 28
Time: 8PM PST / 10PM CST / 11PM EST
Game: Halo 3
How do I join?
Simple. Send me a message via Xbox.com or Xbox Live with “Halo 3″ and I’ll get you in the game. Or heck…if you see me on…just join my session!
Microsoft has reacted quickly to the news of potential disc scratches on the Halo 3 Limited Edition version of the game. Gamers who receive a scratched disc in the Limited Edition of the game will be able to get their game replaced for free until 2/1/08.
Join me tonight for an exciting 1/2 hour episode of Unscripted 360 Live to wrap up the Halo 3 Mania in the community! Now that the game has released and a majority of you have played it for yourselves, it’s time to get your opinions on it. (if you can pry yourself away from the game for a few minutes)
show time: 7PM PST / 9PM CST / 10PM EST
# to the show: (646) 478-5897
link to listen: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/u360tv
It was a crazy ride these past few hours. From an early launch party with Microsoft to a late night stop at a local Gamestop, the ride was absolutely crazy. I hope everyone had fun checking out the coverage of all things Halo 3 wherever you decided to. The Pillar of Autumn (yes that was the actual name) access point to the Interweb was down at Microsoft so I wasn’t able to broadcast live but I’ll make it up to you guys and girls!
I’m going to wrap the footage up really soon and have it for you to witness in a few hours which just happens to be later on today. Until then, enjoy Halo 3! I’ll join you whenever my 360 returns.
Mail Received sir!!! woot!
