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Last week, Microsoft announced plans to cut 10,000 jobs across its different businesses. Some of these layoffs have impacted Microsoft-owned game development studios, including 343 Industries. Not long after this, rumours began claiming that 343 would no longer be developing Halo, and instead, the studio would shrink and simply ‘oversee' the franchise. As it turns out, that might not be true.
In a statement published shortly after the layoffs were announced, 343 Industries studio head, Pierre Hintze, said: “Halo and Master Chief are here to stay. 343 Industries will continue to develop Halo now and in the future, including epic stories, multiplayer, and more of what makes Halo great.”
— Halo (@Halo) January 21, 2023
This statement doesn't expressly rule out the idea that 343 might team up with another developer to try and breathe new life into Halo. Whatever plans were in place for future Halo Infinite content have likely been scrapped or scaled back now, as the studio sent a lot of talent walking out the door. Halo Infinite multiplayer will continue to see development, but we may not see the campaign expansions we were all hoping for.
Due to statements around ‘live service' a grand ‘ten-year plan' for Halo and other teases, there was a lot of hope and expectation placed on Halo Infinite and now over a year on from release, it is clear that Microsoft will not be able to deliver on this vision. Still, Halo isn't a dead IP yet.
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KitGuru Says: Based on what we've heard about Infinite's development, the project was poorly managed at points and 343's new ‘Slipspace Engine' caused plenty of headaches. Hopefully these are all areas that are addressed for any future projects. If 343 were to bring in another studio to co-develop Halo, which one would you like to see working on it? Just looking at Microsoft-owned studios, id Software seems to be a perfect fit here.
