Apps could complement PC/console project

Halo creator Bungie Studios may be looking to dip its toes into iOS development, reports suggest. Earlier this week Bungie formed a company called "Bungie Aerospace Corporation," nevertheless controlled by Bungie president Harold Ryan. The Aerospace spinoff has now filed for a trademark on the term "Crimson," which according to classifications would apply to games "downloadable from a global computer network," "for use on mobile and cellular phones," and/or available "via a global computer network and wireless devices."

The belief that the trademark is related to iOS development also stems from several mobile-related job positions Bungie is currently offering. Crimson and Bungie Aerospace may be linked to Bungie's only confirmed project, an original intellectual property that will be published by Activision. The game is thought to be a massively-multiplayer shooter, though, which might mean that any iOS apps could be merely complementary rather than the focus. iPhone and iPad touchscreens are generally considered inferior interfaces for shooters next to gamepads, mice and keyboards.

Bungie entering into iOS gaming would be a major coup for Apple, since relatively few A-list PC or console developers produce titles for the latter's platforms. Halo was originally set to be a flagship Mac title, but became an exclusive for the Microsoft Xbox, and would only ship for its original platform two years later, shortly after a Windows edition.

by MacNN Staff