Activision's Ownership of Bizarre Helped Cause Studio's Downfall

[Canid117]

I wonder how Bungie would fare under KotickVision...

They are still independent so they can break their contract and go somewhere else if Kotick tries this on them.

Are you sure? I could have sworn they signed, like, a 10-year contract with them or something, but I have no idea.

They did indeed sign a contract but they are still independent from Activision. Act publishes their games now but doesn't actually control the company. I think people are forgetting that both parties have to adhere to a contract when one is singed and Activision isn't the only one who can hire competent lawyers.

It's even narrower than that, if I have it quite right. The contract is just for the current IP they're working on; Bungie can work on other IPs later and would not be obliged to publish them through Activision.

That gives Bungie some interesting leverage, depending upon the contract wording... if Kotick makes it too much of a hassle, Ryan/Jones might be in a position to move to greener pastures with another IP and leave Acti/Blizz high-and-dry. (Though I don't think Acti lawyers are incompetant/desperate enough to make that a cheap option to pick.)

-- Steve

If some enterprising soul got their hands on the contract it would certainly be an interesting read.