Microsoft confirms multiple new Halo titles are in development, alongside the rebranding of 343 Industries to "Halo Studios." This marks a significant shift 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 multiple new Halo projects are underway. This announcement coincides with a complete rebranding, signaling a fresh start for the franchise.
Studio Head Pierre Hintze stated, "We're not just improving development efficiency; we're changing the recipe for Halo games. This is a new chapter." He highlighted a desire to create games that resonate with the fanbase's expectations.
The studio will leverage Epic Games' Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) for future Halo titles. UE5's reputation for high-quality graphics and realistic physics makes it an ideal choice for enhancing the Halo experience. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney expressed his excitement in a tweet, stating Epic is "honored" to support Halo Studios.
Hintze explained the previous overemphasis on supporting Halo Infinite, stating the transition to UE5 will allow for higher quality and a more focused approach. "Everyone here is dedicated to creating the best possible Halo games," he emphasized.
Halo franchise COO Elizabeth Van Wyck underscored the importance of player feedback in shaping future development. "Building games players want to play is key to our success," she said, emphasizing the studio's commitment to gathering and acting upon player feedback.
Studio Art Director Chris Matthew highlighted the technological advantages of UE5, explaining that certain aspects of the previous engine, Slipspace, were outdated and would require significant investment to modernize. UE5 offers readily available features that would have taken considerable time and resources to replicate.
The transition to UE5 also promises faster development cycles and more frequent content updates. Van Wyck emphasized that this will allow for quicker responses to player feedback and a more dynamic development process. Halo Studios has begun recruitment efforts for these new projects.
