Bungie Studios, the “Halo” video game developer acquired by Microsoft Corp. in 2000, once again is operating as an independent company, Microsoft said Friday.

The software maker will maintain close ties with privately held Bungie LLC and own a minority stake in it, the companies said.

Bungie will develop games exclusively for Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and Windows PC platforms “for the foreseeable future,” said Harold Ryan, Bungie’s president and studio head.

The two companies said they would continue to work together to support the “Halo” franchise – including “Halo 3,” released Sept. 25 – and would expand their partnership to include new games.

Microsoft acquired Chicago-based Bungie and its “Halo” concept in 2000, ensuring that the Xbox would be the only game console to run the multiplayer first-person shooter game.