February 03, 2005 - In an unorthodox move that's sure to raise some industry eyebrows, Microsoft (developer Bungie's corporate overlord) has hired screenwriter Alex Garland (28 Days Later, The Beach) to adapt its hit videogame series Halo for the big screen.

Variety reports that Garland signed a million-dollar deal with the tech giant.  Garland's finished screenplay will reportedly be offered to studios as a complete "turnkey" script and rights package.

The trade adds that Microsoft isn't expected to be involved beyond the script development stage

Hollywood took notice of the property when the recently released Halo 2 smashed sales records.

As IGN readers will know, the game centers around Master Chief, a genetically enhanced super-soldier who is the only thing standing between the relentless Covenant and the destruction of all humankind.

Keep your eye on our Halo page and our Games-to-Film section for the latest.

Check out the full story at Variety.com.