Bungie offers insight and gives thanks to fans in 'O Brave New World' documentary

Bungie has a significant following that has boomed over 20 years, and with the studio leaving Halo behind in Microsoft's hands to work with Activision for the next 10 years, their 20th anniversary feels like the end for so many gamers.

In celebration of their long history, Bungie released a video documentary titled "O Brave New World," and it runs for nearly an hour.  Don't be intimidated by the time, because it's worth every minute of your time -- especially if you're a Bungie or Halo fan.  The video is comprised of interviews with the Bungie staff, including the illusive Jason Jones.

Witness Bungie's humble beginnings in a basement somewhere, to their partnership with Microsoft -- news that shook the game industry at the time -- plus much more.  Go figure, they were originally planning to cut multiplayer out of Halo: Combat Evolved, thinking they wouldn't be able to finish all that content in time for release.  Imagine how Halo would have turned out without the multiplayer.

Another point of interest is the discussion of the Xbox 360 and Bungie's involvement in its success.  At the time, Jones told his staff, "Microsoft is building the biggest cannon in the world, and they're pointing it right at Sony.  We can be the bullet in that cannon, and we can make a really big impact on the course of the game industry."

Now grab a soda (or a healthier alternative) and enjoy.  The final words you see at the end, "per audacia ad astra," were written by the famous Roman poet Virgil.  An exact translation isn't possible, but it means "to the stars through courage."