Halo's Lead MultiPlayer Designer To Leave Bungie

Max Hoberman, the former Halo 2 and Halo 3 multiplayer lead, announced he left Bungie to start a new development studio based in Austin, TX called Certain Affinity.

The company's first project is the creation of new multiplayer maps for Halo 2, which will be released this spring. Certain Affinity is also creating a new Xbox 360 title to be announced at a later date.

We're not setting out to change the industry" says Hoberman. "We're creating games by choosing strong leaders, talented and experienced developers, and solid partners. This partnership with Bungie and Microsoft Game Studios is a piece of that puzzle and we hope it's the start of a long and fruitful relationship"

A statement issued by the new studio says that:

After 10 years at Bungie, Hoberman is leaving in the wake of a remarkable string of achievements and maintains a strong relationship with the studio. He spent the first year and a half on Halo 3 developing a solid foundation for the multiplayer and online game, and building a team able to carry the project through to completion.

What we've accomplished with Halo 3 is extraordinary" Hoberman said. "Halo 2 turned the online world on its head, but Halo 3 is going to rip its head right off. I am proud of my contribution to the Halo series and have learned a lot from my friends at Bungie"

Game-Link: Halo 3
News-Source: www.teamxbox.com