Bungie Co-founder Jason Jones and Author Margaret Stohl Launch Transmedia Studio Stone Kite

Key points

• Stone Kite was officially launched on October 1, 2026, by Jason Jones (co-founder of Bungie, creator of Halo and Destiny) and Margaret Stohl (bestselling author and game industry veteran).
• The studio's core philosophy is to develop original universes by bringing creators from different disciplines together from day one, rather than starting in one medium and adapting outward.
• The first universe, 'One Zero One,' is based on an original manuscript by Jason Jones and debuts with a four-part limited comic series.
• The comic series will be released for free online through early 2027, with prose, audio, and screen projects expanding the world throughout the year.
• The 'One Zero One' universe features contributions from over 200 creators, including screenwriters Eric Heisserer and Akela Cooper, and artists like Dan Panosian and Ramón Pérez.
• Jones's previous franchises (Halo and Destiny) have generated an estimated $15 billion in lifetime value and reached over 250 million players, viewers, and readers worldwide.

Background

This launch follows a trend in the entertainment industry where creators are seeking to break down traditional media silos. The studio's approach contrasts with previous attempts at transmedia storytelling, such as Reflector Entertainment's 'Unknown 9' universe, which faced challenges after its initial game failed to meet expectations. Stone Kite's strategy emphasizes community engagement and multi-disciplinary collaboration from the outset, aiming to create worlds that audiences can explore for decades across various formats.

How outlets are covering it

GamesBeat and Game Informer both report on the launch of Stone Kite and its first project, 'One Zero One.' GamesBeat provides a detailed overview of the studio's founding members, including Stephen Wacker (who left to become Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief) and Lewis Peterson, and highlights the extensive list of contributors to the 'One Zero One' universe. Game Informer focuses more on the narrative premise of 'One Zero One' (rogue AI robots) and the studio's transmedia approach, noting that while the plan is ambitious, it is not unheard of in the games industry, citing the example of Reflector Entertainment's 'Unknown 9' universe. Both sources agree on the core facts of the launch and the involvement of Jones and Stohl, but GamesBeat offers more detail on the studio's leadership team and the scale of its contributor network, while Game Informer provides a critical perspective on the risks associated with such ambitious transmedia projects.

Why it matters

The launch of Stone Kite represents a significant shift in how entertainment universes are created, moving away from the traditional model of adapting a single medium outward. By involving creators from film, TV, comics, and literature from the start, Stone Kite aims to create more cohesive and engaging worlds for audiences. This approach could influence the future of transmedia storytelling and potentially lead to more successful and long-lasting entertainment franchises. The involvement of high-profile figures like Jason Jones and Margaret Stohl, along with over 200 contributors, suggests a serious commitment to this new model, which could have implications for the gaming and entertainment industries as a whole.

What to watch

The next steps for Stone Kite include the release of the remaining issues of the 'One Zero One' comic series through early 2027, followed by the expansion of the universe through prose, audio, and screen projects. The studio will also continue to engage with its community and build on the success of its first project. The long-term goal is to create worlds that audiences can explore for decades across various media formats, potentially leading to new and innovative entertainment experiences.