XBOX’s ‘reset’ which begun earlier this year under new CEO, Asha Sharma has massively changed the landscape of the business. While there have been some excellent pro-consumer and pro-gamer moves including the disc to digital programme, and a reduction in the price of XBOX Game Pass, there have been some aggressive changes to the structure of XBOX and XBOX Games Studios.
Most recently, yesterday the announcement to close the doors of once great studio, Ninja Theory meant the cancellation of their announced third part of the Hellblade franchise, which will probably now never see the light of day. However, perhaps more stunning yesterday was the confirmation that XBOX’s flagship franchise, Halo will be moving under the Activision wing of the business. This leaves Halo Studios (once 343 industries) as a skeleton crew supporting previously released titles including the great remake of Halo: Campaign Evolved and Halo: Infinite which maintains a very small, but dedicated fan base.
Many Halo fans, like myself, have been left stunned by the move and wondering what avenue they will take the franchise. Developers of the most successful FPS franchise history, Call of Duty, Activision and their studios have pedigree in the genre. However, their cash-hungry track record has raised the alarm for Halo fans who have enjoyed a breadth of free post-launch content in recent years. Activision have said the new Halo team will be entirely separate from the Call of Duty teams, however, the company’s history of expensive releases with questionable DLC may be a concern.
Now, speaking on the absorption of Halo into Activision, their President, Rob Kostich said: “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.”
It’s a reassuring, yet expected, statement on the future of Master Chief’s universe. There hasn’t been a new entry to the Halo series in five years since 2021’s truly excellent, semi-open world, Infinite. With a new publisher and development team, it will undoubtedly be many years until we see a new Halo – perhaps even on PlayStation again – but until then, there is little to be excited for from the franchise. Whether Halo’s fanbase has the patience to endure until a new release comes, is perhaps the greatest issue it faces.
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