Halo composers ‘amicably resolve’ dispute with Microsoft over alleged unpaid royalties

Halo’s original composers have reportedly settled a long-running dispute with Microsoft over alleged unpaid royalties.

Marty O’Donnell and Mike Salvatori said in February that they had sued Microsoft over money they believed they were owed dating back 20 years.

But on Tuesday, O’Donnell said the pair had come to an agreement with Microsoft.

“Microsoft and O’Donnell/Salvatori, Inc., are pleased to have amicably resolved their differences,” he tweeted.

O’Donnell recently told Eurogamer that he and Salvatori had sued Microsoft after spending 10 years failing to make headway in discussions with the Xbox maker over their unpaid royalty claims.

https://twitter.com/MartyTheElder/status/1516198370544480258?s=20&t=PyC-JzpwkD-O_Hv6TkLKPA

The composers said they licensed the Halo music to original Halo developer Bungie, which went on to be acquired by Microsoft ahead of the launch of the franchise in 2001.

Microsoft was reportedly arguing that the Halo music was created under a work-for-hire agreement rather than a licensing one and that it therefore qualified as the author of the work.

Prior to a settlement being reached, the composers’ legal team was instructed to explore whether a preliminary injunction could be granted to block the release of Paramount’s Halo TV show, which debuted in late March.

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Certain Affinity says it’s working on ‘new and exciting’ things for Halo Infinite

The studio has 'deepened its relationship' with 343 Industries

Developer 343 Industries recently confirmed a May launch date for Halo Infinite Season 2, Lone Wolves.

And support studio Certain Affinity announced last week that it has taken on additional Halo Infinite development duties.

“We’ve been part of the Halo franchise for more than 15 years and we’re honored to say we are deepening our relationship with 343 and have been entrusted with further evolving Halo Infinite in some new and exciting ways,” it said.