Microsoft will be releasing its next-generation Xbox console Project Scarlett in Holiday 2020 with Halo Infinite being launch title. With the PS5 also confirmed for release in the same period, the pressure is on to deliver compelling experience. There have been some concerns over Halo Infinite’s development though, starting with creative director Tom Longo leaving this past August.
It isn’t the strangest thing for team members to depart when a game is finished but more than a year before launch? Microsoft later released a statement to Kotaku, stating, “Roles and responsibilities of various team members regularly evolve to meet the needs of a game, throughout development.” Mary Olson, an executive producer at the time, was announced to be leading Halo Infinite’s campaign team as the lead producer.
However, ResetEra member Modiz pointed out that Olson had recently left 343 Industries. According to Olson’s LinkedIn page, as of October 2019, she now works for Midwinter Entertainment as head of production. This is the same studio where Josh Holmes, former 343 Studio head for Halo 5: Guardians, is working in production and design.
An official statement on Olson’s departure has yet to be made so stay tuned for the same. In Longo’s case, Microsoft did note that, “The overall creative vision and production of the game remains led by Chris Lee, Studio Head of Halo Infinite.” We’ll have to wait and see how development pans out over the coming year.