VG Update #15: Award-Winning Composer of Halo Fired From Bungie

For over three years, video game composer Martin O'Donnell has stuck with developer Bungie after it partnered with Activision to create "Destiny:" a brand new game that blends multiple genres together to create a Halo-like shooter with RPG (role-playing game) and MMO (massively multiplayer online) elements, something that has never truly been done before on a massive scale like this. When it comes to O'Donnell, his epic, spacey and spine-chilling tunes should certainly be a part of this upcoming sci-fi adventure, but he won't be returning for any possible sequels.

 This is concept art for "Destiny" with two Guardians fighting off the Cabal. (Photo courtesy of Bungie)

In a shocking reveal on his Twitter account, O'Donnell tweeted on the night of April 16 that he had been fired from Bungie. "I'm saddened to say that Bungie's board of directors terminated me without cause on April 11, 2014," he said.

This unexpected, shocking news has caused an uproar, leaving everyone scratching their heads as to what could have led to one of the most respected game developers letting go of video game's most talented, popular composers.

To alleviate the impact of this controversial move, Bungie quickly released a statement responding to it, but have only made matters worse since it was cryptic and strangely short in nature.

"For more than a decade, Marty O’Donnell filled our worlds with unforgettable sounds and soundtracks, and left an indelible mark on our fans, Bungie community manager David Dague said. "Today, as friends, we say goodbye. We know that wherever his journey takes him, he will always have a bright and hopeful future. We wish him luck in all his future endeavors."

 Martin O'Donnell is in the middle of this trio, with The Beatles' John McCartney on the left and long-time friend Michael Salvatori on the left, who has helped O'Donnell with many of his scores. (Photo courtesy of Edge)

Martin O'Donnell is arguably the most well-known composer in the game industry. He has scored every soundtrack for five Halo games from 2000 to 2010 until Bungie handed over the franchise to 343 Industries, with Neil Davidge and Kazuma Jinnouchi taking over the musical department for Halo 4.

He's also known for composing commercial jingles for Mr. Clean and Flintstones Vitamins, moving on to video games around 1997 with titles like "Riven," "Septerra Core: Legacy of the Creator" and "Myth II."

The "Halo 2" album may still be one of the best-selling video game soundtracks of all time and just one reason why O'Donnell is such an influential figure in video game culture, but a great altercation of some sort must have happened between Bungie and him for his firing to occur. So far, neither of them seem ready to discuss what happened until the dust settles, leaving thousands of concerned gamers awaiting any information with bated breath.