Rumour: Bungie Splitting from Microsoft?

Xbox 360, PC

Earlier this week, it was revealed that Bungie were splitting from Microsoft. This rumour came from a reader blog post on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer website who was apparently given the information from an individual close to Bungie.

According to the information given, Bungie were increasingly becoming unhappy with Microsoft's constant interference with their work, as well as their wish for Bungie to simply create Halo games under their tenure.

Microsoft have replied to this news by simply stating that "There's been no such announcement. We continue to celebrate the tremendous success of the global phenomenon that is Halo 3.". Oddly enough, this isn't a flat denial of the claim revealed on Monday. Considering the magnitude of a rumour like this, it's strange that Microsoft wouldn't inject a stronger denial into the media.

At the moment, Bungie is completely owned by Microsoft. A split would probably see them push forward with new IP on a variety of systems.