- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
From a strictly information control prospective, I think Bungie should release something before this weekend.
Think of it this way, the only information out there is unapproved. In order to regain control of the information flow, and redirect attention back to legitimate sources, Bungie's best option is to beat whatever was released with some official art work / images of their own.
But, there are probably some legal issues facing Bungie, and Microsoft. Most likely, they gave their favored game magazine a "Reach Exclusive." To release information about the game before that article would be a violation of the contract with that game magazine. First bind on Bungie's actions.
Second, Microsoft and Bungie probably already have gamed out a marketing strategy, with timing, TV ads (Superbowl, anyone?), and an information release checklist. So, they'll show a cool feature in March, then another few items at E3, then more at an August game convention. To release information ahead of time would break that carefully planned out strategy.
So, Bungie's in a bind. On one hand, they probably have several different obligations, compelling Bungie to keep a lid on all information about the game. And, up to the latest incident, Bungie has been remarkably successful. There has been no information leaked, everything was speculation, hearsay, and the occasional, cryptic, comment.
But, in light of the recent troubles, Bungie may also wish to recapture control over the Reach information pipeline, by outclassing some illegitimate, and probably illegal, information with Bungie approved imagery and info.
We'll see what Bungie has, or doesn't have, to say tomorrow. If Bungie ignores the incident, which is the most likely outcome, then one can safely assume, Bungie will continue with their original plan and information will be released carefully over time. Or Bungie can react, but that is unlikely, given the proactive measures taken over the past few days.