MS, Peter Jackson Create Game Studio

Microsoft has joined forces with renowned director Peter Jackson to establish a new game studio called Wingnut Interactive, as well as develop a completely new chapter in the "Halo" series along with an entirely original game that focuses on "interactive entertainment."

“My vision, together with Microsoft Game Studios, is to push the boundaries of game development and the future of interactive entertainment," remarked Jackson. "From a movie-maker’s point of view, it is clear to me that the Xbox 360 platform is the stage where storytellers can work their craft in the same way they do today with movies and books but taking it further with interactivity.” Microsoft also announced Wednesday "Halo Wars," a real-time strategy game designed for the "Halo" franchise by Ensemble Studios, developer of "Age of Empires."