LOS ANGELES, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Software giant Microsoft shocked the industry Friday by announcing it is spinning off Bungie Studios, the creator of its "Halo" video game, as the latest installment of the franchise continues to rack up record sales worldwide.

Microsoft will retain ownership of "Halo" intellectual property and an equity interest in Bungie, which is becoming independent, according to the companies.

"Halo 3," which was released less than two weeks ago, has generated more than 300 million U.S. dollars in global sales.

Microsoft bought Bungie Studios in 2000 in order to make the first "Halo" game an exclusive for its Xbox console. All three "Halo" games have sold millions of copies and helped raise the profile of the Xbox and its successor Xbox 360.

Shane Kim, head of Microsoft Game Studios, said in a statement that Microsoft supports Bungie's desire to return to its independent roots, and will continue to invest in its "Halo" entertainment property with Bungie.

Bungie's officials said they would continue developing games with a "primary focus on Microsoft platforms."

Top executives at Bungie and outside investors will now control the privately-held game developer, which has 113 employees, while Microsoft will own a minority stake.

It is rare in the video game industry for developers to leave a major publisher after they have been acquired. However, industry analysts said that after making hundreds of millions for Microsoft from the three "Halo" games, some top talents at Bungie might think about starting their own company.

Initial reports showed that "Halo 3" has significantly boosted sales of the Xbox 360, the only console on which the game plays.

Industry analysts said that the Microsoft console, with the help of blockbuster games like "Halo 3," would extend its lead over Sony's PlayStation 3 and make some progress against the market's top seller, Nintendo Wii.