Bungie and Microsoft Split

I just have to pass along Bungie's Press Release:
http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=news&cid=12835

Turns out the Rumors earlier this week ended up being true about Bungie leaving Microsoft. I actually think Microsoft/Bungie agreeing to the split was the smart move by Microsoft. This way you stay in good graces and don't have a massive Bungie talent exodus. Bungie is hoping that they'll be getting the cash from their next IP instead of Microsoft (which owns Halo). Bungie making Halo games is probably finished which means Halo 3 is definitely it from Bungie....and that's what really matters since if a FPS Halo Sequel comes out it will probably be done by a crappier/lesser studio. I don't look forward to that.

2 New Halo 2 Maps for $4! Coming April 17th

The announcement follows:

Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie Studios today confirmed the upcoming release of two new, eagerly awaited downloadable maps for “Halo® 2.” The maps will be available as premium downloadable content for Xbox® and Xbox 360™ on April 17.
Fans of the original “Halo” have long requested the addition of some of their favorite maps to the critically acclaimed multiplayer experience of “Halo 2.” These re-creations, developed by Bungie and Certain Affinity Inc., are a perfect way to thank fans for their support as they surpass 800 million hours of “Halo 2” gaming on Xbox LIVE®.
The two maps will bring new life to ancient battlefields and legendary skirmishes, as both are new, improved and redesigned remakes of fan favorites from the original “Halo: Combat Evolved.” For the price of $4 for the pair, these maps bring a fresh burst of action to the seminal “Halo 2” online multiplayer experience. Both of the maps will be available through the “Halo 2” in-game content downloader for both Xbox and Xbox 360.*

The king of “Halo” maps has returned at last. Hang ’Em High, arguably the most popular multiplayer map for the original title, has been reimagined for “Halo 2” as Tombstone, with all-new graphics, features and a few hidden surprises. Now fans will enjoy the dangerous catwalks and trenches that made this the most requested “Halo” multiplayer map ever, with a modernized “Halo 2” flavor.

The second map, Desolation, is a symmetrical, Deathmatch-oriented map and a beautiful remake of the original Derelict. With new graphics and effects and a massive gameplay overhaul, the old favorite is now faster-paced and more balanced than ever — perfect for intense “Halo 2” combat.