Bungie confirms 2013 launch for first Acti-published title

Bungie has confirmed a 2013 launch for the first game in its multiple game deal with Activision as part of its new universe.

The confirmation follows the release of the full 2010 contract between developer and publisher in the wake of the upcoming trial between Acti and ex-Infinity Ward heads Jason West and Vince Zampella.

The original plan had the first title, codenamed Destiny, down for a late 2013 release with sequels to follow every second year thereafter.

"While we’re not ready to show you what we’ve been working on, we can reconfirm that we are hard at work on our new universe. We can’t wait for you to see it," said Bungie's DeeJ on the developer's website.

It then teased: "See you starside in 2013."

The LA Times published the entrie 27 page contract between the two companies.

While details of the deal may have changed since the 2010 agreement, the contract locks Bungie into a four game deal, for a series of "action shooter" titles.

The first release was expected to be exclusive to Xbox consoles - either the 360 or its successor - but the franchise would later expand to PC and PlayStation.

The contract also covers four expansion packs, codenamed Comet, to be released on alternate years beginning in 2014, meaning the studio would have a major launch every year.

Interestingly, the contract outs a bonus of $2.5 million to be paid to the developer should Destiny achieve a 90 average critical rating; although bonuses of this kind are not uncommon, Develop claims it is likely the largest critical bonus pay out to be made public.

Bungie signed with Activision after severing ties with Microsoft, which fostered the company through its years as Halo's creator and developer. 343 Industries has since taken over.

[Original story by Brenna Hillier, updates by Johnny Cullen]