NetEase has acquired a minority stake in Bungie, the creator of game franchises Halo and Destiny, which was purchased by Microsoft in 2000 but was spun out seven years later.

Internet and online gaming company NetEase acquired a minority stake in US-based video game developer Bungie on Friday for a reported $100m.

Founded in 1991, Bungie has created two multi-billion-dollar gaming franchises – Halo and Destiny.

The company was acquired by software developer Microsoft in 2000 but was spun out in 2007 to become an employee-owned business, though Microsoft retained a minority stake as part of the deal.

NetEase’s investment will go towards the creation of additional products, recruitment and…