Microsoft has confirmed the development of multiple new Halo games, coinciding with the rebranding of 343 Industries to "Halo Studios." This marks a significant shift for the studio responsible for the iconic military sci-fi franchise.
Xbox Game Studios' 343 Industries Rebrands to Halo Studios
Halo Studios Embarks on a New Era of Halo Game Development
Microsoft-owned Halo Studios (formerly 343 Industries) has announced the commencement of several new Halo game projects. This news accompanies the studio's rebranding, signaling a fresh chapter in the franchise's history.
Studio Head Pierre Hintze explained the rationale behind the change, stating, "Halo has two distinct chapters: Bungie and 343 Industries. Now, we aim to deliver what the audience craves. We're not just improving development efficiency; we're reimagining how we create Halo games."
The studio will leverage Epic Games' Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) for future Halo titles. UE5's reputation for high-quality visuals and realistic physics aligns perfectly with Halo Studios' ambitions. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney expressed his enthusiasm in a tweet, highlighting the honor of Halo Studios choosing UE5 for their future endeavors.
Halo's lead developers outlined their new strategic direction. Hintze acknowledged a previous overemphasis on supporting Halo Infinite, stating that the transition to UE5 will enable them to create high-quality Halo games more efficiently. The overarching goal, he emphasized, is to create "the best possible Halo games."
COO Elizabeth Van Wyck underscored the importance of player feedback in shaping the franchise's future. She stressed the studio's commitment to developing games that resonate with the player base, emphasizing a player-centric approach to decision-making. The studio is actively seeking broader player feedback to inform their development process.
Art Director Chris Matthew explained the technical advantages of switching to UE5, noting that certain aspects of the older engine, Slipspace, were outdated and would require significant time and resources to update. UE5's modern features offer significant advantages in terms of development efficiency and capabilities.
The shift to UE5 will also streamline the release of updates and new content. Van Wyck highlighted the importance of quicker turnaround times for both game releases and post-launch updates, allowing for a more responsive and agile development cycle. Halo Studios has already begun recruitment efforts for these new projects.
