A job listing for 343 Industries’ Halo Infinite revealed that the developer would pursue what sounded like live service elements. Of course, what has been mentioned in no uncertain terms was microtransactions. Though the job listing itself was several months old, it only recently garnered attention.
Microsoft has hinted earlier that the first person shooter could have games-as-a-service elements, but Chris Lee, the studio head of FPS at 343 Industries, has clarified that “real-money loot boxes” are not part of the deal. In a recent tweet, Lee said, “We’re still working through final plans and will share more when we are ready, but I can definitely say that Halo Infinite will not include real-money loot boxes.”
So while this marks a shift from Halo 5: Guardians, which included REQ Packs that could be purchased with real money, that doesn’t mean there won’t be paid cosmetics or any other form of microtransaction. Furthermore, 343 Industries could include random item packs that players don’t have to pay for, like the Spartan Rank and Commendation Packs unlocked through levelling up and completing challenges respectively in Halo 5.
Once again, it’s still too early to speculate on the direction that Halo Infinite will go with. Stay tuned for more information – it’s going to be a long journey to release.