Reports reveal three Halo projects that were reportedly in development before major layoffs and a restructuring of the studio behind the franchise.
Microsoft reportedly canceled three Halo projects during a major restructuring of the studio formerly known as 343 Industries, according to reports from insider RebsGaming and The Verge.
The projects included a new mainline Halo game, a smaller title based on the Halo novel First Strike, and updated versions of classic Halo games. The details offer a glimpse into several directions Microsoft was reportedly considering for the franchise before major layoffs disrupted development.
The First Strike project was reportedly the most advanced of the three. It was planned as a smaller Halo experience set between the events of the first and second games in the series. According to the reports, the project was expected to feature five story missions and a Firefight mode.
The game was also reportedly intended to connect with planned remakes of Halo 2 and Halo 3. Had development continued, the project could have been released as early as next year.
A separate team was reportedly developing an early concept for a full-fledged Halo 7. The project had not yet entered full production, but developers had prepared a new creative direction for the next major installment.
The reported plans included a new story campaign, player-versus-player multiplayer and cooperative player-versus-environment gameplay. Developers were also reportedly considering an expanded version of Halo’s Forge creation tool.
The team presented its updated vision to Xbox leadership, including Matt Booty, before the layoffs. However, Halo 7 was still in the early stages of development and reportedly remained several years away from release.
The third project involved updated versions of older Halo games. Few details have emerged about the specific titles or the scope of the remaster project, but it was reportedly part of the studio’s broader plans for the franchise.
Development on all three projects was disrupted by major layoffs at the studio. Following the cuts, around 30 employees reportedly remained, including engineers, artists and support staff.
The studio has since moved away from its previous role as the primary developer of Halo games. It was renamed Halo Studios and shifted toward a support-focused role within Microsoft’s wider gaming operations.
The reported cancellations highlight the changes surrounding one of Xbox’s most established franchises. Several different Halo concepts were apparently being explored before the studio restructuring altered the direction of development.
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