After Xbox eliminated 268 roles at Halo Studios, Activision will be developing the next Halo. It’s a rather interesting twist, especially because a new team separate from those working on Call of Duty will be involved. There’s no ETA or any other details, but Activision president Rob Kostich said the goal is to “make the greatest Halo game ever.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome Halo, Rare, and World’s Edge to Activision. It’s an honor and a responsibility that we do not take lightly. These teams and their games have inspired fans around the world for decades,” he recently stated (as reported by Variety).
“For Halo, our goal is clear: make the greatest Halo game ever, worthy of its universe and legacy, while staying true to what made players love it in the first place. It is a bold ambition, one that this franchise deserves. We have already begun assembling a purpose-built team, unique in capability and talent, ready and excited to deliver this next chapter with the community.
And for the other studios? “To the World’s Edge and Rare teams, we can’t wait to get to work together.” A shorter response, to be sure, but with how they’ve been performing compared to the Halo franchise, there probably isn’t much required in terms of placation.
As for Halo, its legacy has been troubled ever since 343 Industries took over from Bungie, releasing Halo 4 in 2012 to a relatively positive reception (though multiplayer was roundly criticized). It’s also remembered for Halo: The Master Chief Collection’s massive launch debacle and the disappointing campaign of Halo 5: Guardians.
Halo Infinite was to be a new start for the next ten years of the franchise, but ambitions for a large open world were reportedly cut short. Joseph Staten joined the studio and eventually helped release it after a year-plus delay, but it faced several issues such as monetization, multiplayer, and more. Of course, just as things were improving, Halo Studios released the final content update last November.
Its last title, Halo: Campaign Evolved, launched last July. You can check out our review, but long-time fans were mixed, and sales numbers remain unknown.
