Destiny -Bungie's new game with Activision

[metallicorphan]

Bungie has just signed a ten-year exclusive multiplatform deal with Activision.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=244762

The pair have announced today that they have entered into an exclusive ten-year partnership to bring Bungie's 'next big action game universe' to market.

Under the terms of the agreement, Activision will have exclusive, worldwide rights to publish and distribute all future Bungie games based on the new intellectual property on multiple platforms and devices.

Bungie remains an independent company and will continue to own their intellectual property. Additional terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The alliance provides Bungie its first such partnership since splitting with Microsoft in 2007.

Activision claims the deal 'significantly broadening its global reach by providing the resources and support to develop, distribute and release games worldwide on multiple platforms and devices'.

To date, Bungie's Halo games have generated approximately $1.5 billion in revenues, according to The NPD Group, Charttrack and GfK.

Bungie president Harold Ryan revealed today:

"We chose to partner with Activision on our next IP because of their global reach, multi-platform experience and marketing expertise.

"From working together over the past nine months on this agreement, it is clear that Activision supports our commitment to giving our fans the best possible gaming experiences."

Thomas Tippl, COO of Activision Blizzard, couldn't contain his delight at the deal. He stated:

"Bungie is one of the premier studios in our industry and we are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to work with their talented team over the next decade."

Microsoft react to the news:

"Our partnership with Bungie as a first-party developer for Xbox 360 remains unchanged, and right now we're deeply engaged with them on the development of Halo Reach, which is poised to be the biggest game of 2010."

[leo8877]

Lame.  Boo Activision.

[CeeKay]

so, how long before Actard fires the leads of Bungie and everyone flees to make another studio?

[metallicorphan]

what surprises me is that they have made a 10 year deal...10 years!!??!!,i hope they got some good perks

[Purge]

That's 3, maybe 4 games (given Bungie's inability to actually produce anything under pressure, it might only be 2 games).

Plus, this is only one IP.

[mytocles]

From the derogatory statements about Activision, it seems like GT'ers view them in a negative light.  I'm not very familiar with Activision - yeah, I've heard of them and all, but that's about it. 

If anyone cares to delve into that topic, I'd read it!  Think of it as a project to keep looking busy if you're at work, when in fact you are bored stiff (or lazy) - any takers?   

[EngineNo9]

I find it very ironic that Bungie, who left Microsoft because they were sick of making the same game (simplifying a bit), are now partnered for 10 years with Activision who is famous for running their franchises into the ground with sequel after sequel. 

[metallicorphan]

From the derogatory statements about Activision, it seems like GT'ers view them in a negative light.  I'm not very familiar with Activision - yeah, I've heard of them and all, but that's about it.  

If anyone cares to delve into that topic, I'd read it!  Think of it as a project to keep looking busy if you're at work, when in fact you are bored stiff (or lazy) - any takers?  

for the last 6 months or so,Activision haven't had good press(they own the developers Infinity Wards)...for me it started when they put the COD:Modern Warfare 2 RRP up to £55,and then a few months later a lot of people were laid off from Activision in the UK

according to Infinity Wards,it was Activisions decision to price the MW2 map pack at 1200 points not the usual 800

and then of course you have the blow out between Activision Vs Infinity Wards,pretty much every day there have been people walking out of Infinity Wards studios because of Activision(apparently Activisions a bastard to work for)

couple all that with Activisions already damaged rep of milking various Game franchises like Guitar Hero etc...so this for the average Bungie fan wouldn't be the best news

[CeeKay]

I find it very ironic that Bungie, who left Microsoft because they were sick of making the same game (simplifying a bit), are now partnered for 10 years with Activision who is famous for running their franchises into the ground with sequel after sequel. 

coming in 2011: Not Halo!
coming in 2012: Not Halo 2!
coming in 2013:  wait, we're all dead.  NM.

[JayDee]

BungVision?

[CeeKay]

BungVision?

Bungatard

[Freezer-TPF-]

I find it very ironic that Bungie, who left Microsoft because they were sick of making the same game (simplifying a bit), are now partnered for 10 years with Activision who is famous for running their franchises into the ground with sequel after sequel. 

coming in 2011: Not Halo!
coming in 2012: Not Halo 2!
coming in 2013:  wait, we're all dead.  NM.

Yeah, they won't last 10 years.

[Teggy]

First release will be Marathon 4 for the Mac.

[metallicorphan]

First release will be Marathon 4 for the Mac.

Marathon boss heads Bungies new IP

[Destructor]

I find it very ironic that Bungie, who left Microsoft because they were sick of making the same game (simplifying a bit), are now partnered for 10 years with Activision who is famous for running their franchises into the ground with sequel after sequel. 

Yeah, no kidding. This doesn't make sense AT ALL. What the hell were they thinking?

[Kevin Grey]

I find it very ironic that Bungie, who left Microsoft because they were sick of making the same game (simplifying a bit), are now partnered for 10 years with Activision who is famous for running their franchises into the ground with sequel after sequel. 

Yeah, no kidding. This doesn't make sense AT ALL. What the hell were they thinking?

Bungie owns the new IP so this isn't the same situation as with Infinity Ward.  Seems much closer to EA Partners or MS's deal with Epic for Gears.  Bungie can make what they want and if Activision doesn't want to publish it then they can go elsewhere. 

[morlac]

"Bungie remains an independent company and will continue to own their intellectual property. Additional terms of the agreement were not disclosed."


"Activision claims the deal 'significantly broadening its global reach by providing the resources and support to develop, distribute and release games worldwide on multiple platforms and devices'."

I'm confused.  Is Activision funding them?  Or just acting as the marketing and distributioon arm of the venture?  If it's the former than these statements will contradict themselves sooner than later.  No way Activision just gives them money wihtout any say on making their games 'more marketable'.

[Kevin Grey]

I'm confused.  Is Activision funding them?  Or just acting as the marketing and distributioon arm of the venture?  If it's the former than these statements will contradict themselves sooner than later.  No way Activision just gives them money wihtout any say on making their games 'more marketable'.

It isn't a blank check for Bungie to make whatever they want.  Bungie clearly already has the new IP in mind and briefed Actiivsion on what that game will be and Activision clearly thinks it's marketable which isn't a surprise- Bungie isn't exactly Suda 51 or anything.

Resources could be a lot of things including access to various tech libraries that Activision may have on hand. 

[Teggy]

First release will be Marathon 4 for the Mac.

Marathon boss heads Bungies new IP

And you thought I was joking.

[TiLT]

"Bungie remains an independent company and will continue to own their intellectual property. Additional terms of the agreement were not disclosed."


"Activision claims the deal 'significantly broadening its global reach by providing the resources and support to develop, distribute and release games worldwide on multiple platforms and devices'."

I'm confused.  Is Activision funding them?  Or just acting as the marketing and distributioon arm of the venture?  If it's the former than these statements will contradict themselves sooner than later.  No way Activision just gives them money wihtout any say on making their games 'more marketable'.

There's more to game development than pure cash. Without having been a part of the process myself, my understanding is that a publisher can provide tons of data about systems and compatibilities, test labs, marketing, and perhaps even game code libraries from other projects that can be ported over instead of having to start from scratch on everything.

[Turtle]

I thought that Blizzard has been, in some significant way, part of Activision for some time now as part of the Vivendi merge with activision.

So, it comes as no surprise that they'd sign some deal like this, all it does is just make sure things are more set in stone.  Although I suspect big checks were given to people who currently control Blizzard's stake in the Activision Blizzard.

Blizzard is definitely not independent anymore and hasn't been for some time, but due to their name and clout they have operated more a separately and have resisted such measures before.  Make no mistake though, activision already has its claws into blizzard, as evidenced by SC2 turning into 3 games.

You know, I think this is just an investment media maneuver to try to offset how negative the press has been for activision with the infinity ward thing, and the fact that analysts are concerned over activision being floated by only 3 products, all of which have hit their peaks.

[leo8877]

I thought that Blizzard has been, in some significant way, part of Activision for some time now as part of the Vivendi merge with activision.

So, it comes as no surprise that they'd sign some deal like this, all it does is just make sure things are more set in stone.  Although I suspect big checks were given to people who currently control Blizzard's stake in the Activision Blizzard.

Blizzard is definitely not independent anymore and hasn't been for some time, but due to their name and clout they have operated more a separately and have resisted such measures before.  Make no mistake though, activision already has its claws into blizzard, as evidenced by SC2 turning into 3 games.

You know, I think this is just an investment media maneuver to try to offset how negative the press has been for activision with the infinity ward thing, and the fact that analysts are concerned over activision being floated by only 3 products, all of which have hit their peaks.

How does Activision have their claws into Blizzard?  Blizzard still does what it wants, when it wants.

EDIT:  You really think the SC2 being split into 3 games is from Activision?  You are getting 3 FULL campaigns, it's every Starcraft fans dream.  They didn't skimp on one game and cramming all the story, you'll get a massive 3 game series, with all the requisite upgrades, etc.

[Turtle]

You keep believing that buddy.    As we've seen with Infinity Ward, activision has some shrewd and cutthroat execs, similar to the EA of old.  Blizzard will last as long as the people in control want to retain it, they never had full control to begin with, and now this is just a sign that they're not that interested in retaining complete control.

[Purge]

Bungie is an independent developer with a publishing deal tied to Activision for one specific IP for the next 10 years.

Actizard (or Blizzivision) is a different beast.

[Turtle]

d'oh!

Read the names wrong.  Carry on folks. 

[Ridah]

You know, I think this is just an investment media maneuver to try to offset how negative the press has been for activision with the infinity ward thing, and the fact that analysts are concerned over activision being floated by only 3 products, all of which have hit their peaks.

According to the press release the deal has been in the works for 9 months now, well before the shit with IW hit the fan.

I see this as a good thing, it means I'll actually have the option of buying the next Bungie game for my PS3.

[Purge]

Yeah.... it'll derive from the history of the RelayRace, and take place on orbital space stations called Hola's.

I hope Anticipatory Zap 434 makes an appearance.

[Ridah]

Eurogamer interviews Bungie on deal (damn that was fast).

[Turtle]

It's a good thing for people who like Bungie games but aren't impressed with Halo.  I want another Marathon or Myth.  Heck, I actually want something like Oni again (but good).

Halo games are fun, but having played other Bungie games makes me miss them doing other stuff.

[CeeKay]

Maybe this means Pimps at Sea will finally see the light of day.....

[Sarkus]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/technologybrierdudleysblog/2011734631_kirklands_bungie_signs_huge_po.html

The Seattle Times excellent tech writer blogs about the deal above.  Basically, it's a single IP deal and Bungie retains ownership of the IP.  Activision is publishing and providing support in return for a share of the profits.  Sony and MS were also in the hunt for this deal but Bungie chose Activision so that the IP wouldn't be a platform exclusive.

[Purge]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/technologybrierdudleysblog/2011734631_kirklands_bungie_signs_huge_po.html

The Seattle Times excellent tech writer blogs about the deal above.  Basically, it's a single IP deal and Bungie retains ownership of the IP.  Activision is publishing and providing support in return for a share of the profits.  Sony and MS were also in the hunt for this deal but Bungie chose Activision so that the IP wouldn't be a platform exclusive.

I hate to say it, but I think they should have gone with EA.

[metallicorphan]

Eurogamer interviews Bungie on deal (damn that was fast).

yeah its like Eurogamer have some insider knowledge,they had an Interview with the Ex-IW guys straight after they formed Respawn with EA as well

[Sarkus]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/technologybrierdudleysblog/2011734631_kirklands_bungie_signs_huge_po.html

The Seattle Times excellent tech writer blogs about the deal above.  Basically, it's a single IP deal and Bungie retains ownership of the IP.  Activision is publishing and providing support in return for a share of the profits.  Sony and MS were also in the hunt for this deal but Bungie chose Activision so that the IP wouldn't be a platform exclusive.

I hate to say it, but I think they should have gone with EA.

You are assuming EA was in with a comparable offer to the other three.  That they aren't mentioned suggests that was not the case or that Bungie has some previous history with EA that would disqualify that option.

[Ridah]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/technologybrierdudleysblog/2011734631_kirklands_bungie_signs_huge_po.html

The Seattle Times excellent tech writer blogs about the deal above.  Basically, it's a single IP deal and Bungie retains ownership of the IP.  Activision is publishing and providing support in return for a share of the profits.  Sony and MS were also in the hunt for this deal but Bungie chose Activision so that the IP wouldn't be a platform exclusive.

I hate to say it, but I think they should have gone with EA.

Why EA instead of Activision? Despite how things went with IW, for the most part I think Activision has been as good as could be expected from a billion-dollar publisher.

[CeeKay]

Eurogamer interviews Bungie on deal (damn that was fast).

yeah its like Eurogamer have some insider knowledge,they had an Interview with the Ex-IW guys straight after they formed Respawn with EA as well

maybe they're time travellers, and schedule interviews based on future knowledge....

[ATB]

First Step for Activision: Hire some writers to help Bungie with storylines.
Second Step: Go back and retroactively remove all talking plants from previous Bungie games.
Step Three: Profit!

[Purge]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/technologybrierdudleysblog/2011734631_kirklands_bungie_signs_huge_po.html

The Seattle Times excellent tech writer blogs about the deal above.  Basically, it's a single IP deal and Bungie retains ownership of the IP.  Activision is publishing and providing support in return for a share of the profits.  Sony and MS were also in the hunt for this deal but Bungie chose Activision so that the IP wouldn't be a platform exclusive.

I hate to say it, but I think they should have gone with EA.

Why EA instead of Activision? Despite how things went with IW, for the most part I think Activision has been as good as could be expected from a billion-dollar publisher.

EA has, as of late, been working on getting some new IP's out there. Granted they have sequels too, but Activision? Yeesh. I'd be concerned with Activision not being around for the next 10 years.

[Graham]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/technologybrierdudleysblog/2011734631_kirklands_bungie_signs_huge_po.html

The Seattle Times excellent tech writer blogs about the deal above.  Basically, it's a single IP deal and Bungie retains ownership of the IP.  Activision is publishing and providing support in return for a share of the profits.  Sony and MS were also in the hunt for this deal but Bungie chose Activision so that the IP wouldn't be a platform exclusive.

I hate to say it, but I think they should have gone with EA.

Why EA instead of Activision? Despite how things went with IW, for the most part I think Activision has been as good as could be expected from a billion-dollar publisher.

EA has, as of late, been working on getting some new IP's out there. Granted they have sequels too, but Activision? Yeesh. I'd be concerned with Activision not being around for the next 10 years.

You mean Prototype, Singularity, and Blur aren't original IP's?  I don't know if you'd consider War for Cybertron an original IP, but it's not a movie tie-in.  It definitely has a feel more like an original IP.

EA has definitely more new IPs, but I wouldn't be surprised if Activision has a few more up their sleeve that we don't know about.

[jersoc]

ugh, been stuck at work all day. now i can finally get this off my chest

Reach is the last bungie game i buy. AWESOME