Bungie Studios and Microsoft Corp. just announced that Bungie Studios, the developers of Microsoft's Halo franchise, will once again become a privately held independent company, Bungie, LLC, in which Microsoft will hold a minority equity interest.

Though there have long been rumblings about the Bungie team pining to do something other than Halo, the new symbiosis between the new Bungie and former rein-holder Microsoft is now described as "focused on the continued success of the 'Halo' franchise," but also that both parties intend "to expand their partnership to include new IP created and owned by Bungie."

So, on paper, it seems everyone is happy. Bungie will make new games that have nothing to do with freakin' Halo, and Microsoft will, presumably, get dibs.

Bungie's management retained the services of Don Leeds, senior managing director of B-Hive Global, LLC, to assist in the structuring of the deal and negotiating on their behalf. Details as they emerge.