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 multiple new Halo game projects are underway. This announcement coincides with the studio's rebranding, signifying a fresh start for the franchise."Halo's history has two distinct chapters: Bungie and 343 Industries," stated Studio Head Pierre Hintze. "Now, we're responding to player demand for more by not only improving development efficiency but also reinventing how we create Halo games. This marks the beginning of a new chapter."
The studio will leverage Epic Games' Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) for future Halo titles. UE5's reputation for high-quality graphics and realistic physics aligns with the studio's ambition. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney tweeted, "Epic is honored that Halo Studios has chosen our tools for their future endeavors!"
Halo's leadership team outlined their new direction. Hintze acknowledged a previous overemphasis on supporting Halo Infinite, stating that the transition to UE5 will enable the creation of higher-quality games. "Our singular focus is to create the best possible Halo games," he emphasized.
COO Elizabeth Van Wyck added, "Success hinges on creating games players want to play. This new structure empowers the game developers to make crucial decisions. We're actively seeking broader player feedback to guide our direction." She stressed the importance of player evaluation in shaping the franchise's future.
Studio Art Director Chris Matthew highlighted UE5's advantages, noting that the age of some existing technology (nearly 25 years) presented limitations. He explained that Unreal Engine 5 offers features unavailable in the previous engine, saving significant development time and resources.
The shift to UE5 also streamlines updates and new content delivery. Van Wyck noted that this isn't just about faster game releases but also quicker updates and responsiveness to player feedback. Halo Studios has begun recruitment for these new projects.
