The responses to Bungie's acquisition by Microsoft have been pretty mixed... but somewhat more negative coming from the Mac community. Gamers.Com reports some comments on the issue by various Mac users. For instance, Nate Birkholtz of MacSoft took the opportunity to inform the Mac community that they're still around and had the following to say:
The smart move on the part of Microsoft would be to make Halo the Killer App for Xbox, the application that is only available for Xbox — that would make people want to buy the console just to play that game. On the other hand, with the recent DOJ shenanigans, Janet's minions may put the kibosh on putting the kibosh on other versions. Picture armed troops raiding Bungie offices, shouting, ‘Hand over the Mac code!’ The games market is certainly outside the scope of the lawsuit, but these days, who can tell what the DOJ is going to do?
Heh... well, that's one way of looking at it. ;-) Gamers.Com has also posted up an interview with Tuncer Deniz, a former employee of Bungie who was the Project Manager during Myth II's development. Here is one of the questions asked of him:
Gamers.com: Do you think there will be a different effect on the Mac gaming community if Bungie's titles became Windows/Xbox-only instead of Xbox only? Tuncer: No doubt. If Bungie's titles excluded Mac versions it would mean that Bungie/Microsoft doesn’t see the Mac as a viable platform. And that will only happen if Apple drops the ball. Knowing Jason Jones, I know he doesn't want to drop the Mac. But if push comes to shove, they will. The Mac is and always will be the underdog. And, it's completely up to Apple to help developers create Macintosh games. Help them successfully publish and market them. If Microsoft is 100 percent committed to games, then Apple needs to be 110 percent committed to games. It's the only way developers such as Bungie will stay on board.
Tuncer goes on to make some more bold statements about Apple not being on the ball with developer support. Mac Gamer's Ledge, however, states an opinion in its news coverage of the Acquisition that Bungie isn't going anywhere:
While we've already witnessed horror, anger, and denial from Mac users, MacGamer's Ledge is keeping a positive view on the acquisition. We believe that Bungie is not yet abandoning their Mac fans and that if the Mac remains a viable gaming platform, Bungie will continue to develop games for the platform.
Heh, I'm wondering if some of the more pessimistic among us will separate time by this event... B.A. - Before Acquisition. Inside Mac Games displays a somewhat rational, wait-and-see attitude:
Over the next few days IMG will be bringing you the details of this acquisition and what it means for Mac gamers. We have deliberately chosen not to gamble our journalistic integrity for the sake of a few hits and post rumor as fact, as so many others have done. Instead our research has allowed us to squash several rumors outright, such as the idea that Alexander Seropian will be splitting off to form his own company. That idea is ludicrous; his stake in Bungie is only starting to gain equity as part of Microsoft and will continue to grow in the future.
R.net is also aware that tru7h.org has closed up shop, and that Nijhazer of Bungie.Org has resigned in protest.
I hope you won't mind if I interject a short rant. The biggest thing right now is: Don't panic. (And keep your towel nearby at all times) There's absolutely nothing to be gained (or changed) by losing your head. Try to look at the positive side of things if you can. Bungie will now be able to take advantage of Microsoft's nearly unlimited resources and deep pockets. Hell... Microsoft's marketing division is huge! I'd expect to see Halo commercials on TV in the latter half of 2001 if I were you.
One thing is for certain... the stench of fear and doubt that is permeating the community right now will not go away until Bungie states a solid position on the future of development for Mac and PC. Efforts are underway to start a petition to Bungie regarding this issue, and we'll bring you more news on that as we can. However, in the mean time, I'll make a plea for reason and rational thought. This is no time for panic. I close up this item with a link to a post made in our forum by Formerly Wu :