Here’s a rumor that’ll make you read on past the headline. OXM is reporting (in their October issue’s rumor section) that Gearbox Software, the company that ported Halo to the PC, will be developing the fourth installment of the Halo series. Allegedly, the title is going to be released as a launch title for Microsoft’s next console (please call it the Xbox 720!).

But wait, there’s more! A second rumor has surfaced today regarding Gearbox’s possible handling of a Halo game, this time from Variety. According to Variety’s Ben Fritz, a reliable source revealed that while no deal is currently in place, Gearbox has definitely been talking to Microsoft about developing some sort of Halo title.

While it is a little shocking to hear that a core Halo game could be developed by a studio other than Bungie, this rumor really isn’t that hard to believe. Bungie has hinted that they are interested in moving past Halo, and Gearbox does have some experience in working with the brand. Don’t count on hearing much more than the standard ‘We do not comment on rumors or speculation’ statement from Microsoft anytime soon though. In fact, you should probably just expect this story to stay a rumor for a long, long, while.