In a tectonic shift for the beloved Halo franchise, the stalwart developers at 343 Industries have announced their grand rebranding to Halo Studios. This momentous occasion heralds a new era of innovation and creativity, promising a plethora of exciting new Halo projects on the horizon.
This marks only the second time in history that the esteemed Halo series will be shepherded under a different moniker. Previously guided by the illustrious hands of Bungie for the first three smash-hit Halo games, the reins were then passed to the capable team at 343 Industries, birthed within the hallowed halls of Microsoft following Bungie’s decision to seek independence.
Delving deeper into this transformative journey, Halo Studios’ visionary leader Pierre Hintze poetically articulates, “If one were to dissect the essence of Halo, there emerges two distinct epochs. Chapter 1 – the epoch of Bungie. Chapter 2 – the epoch under the stewardship of 343 Industries. Now, as we stand on the cusp of a new dawn, the hunger for more within our audience compels us to not merely enhance development efficiencies, but to rewrite the very fabric of how Halo games are conceived.”
The vanguard of change is at hand as the studio embarks on a monumental shift from its proprietary Slipspace engine to the cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5. The conclusion of the Halo saga with Halo Infinite was birthed from the Slipspace engine, but its management necessitated significant internal maintenance. Rooted in decades-old Bungie code, this outdated engine, as reported by Bloomberg, contributed to the extended development cycle of Infinite. The transition to Unreal Engine 5 was not merely a choice, but a necessity forged by the lessons of the past.
Taking center stage in this momentous transition, art director Chris Matthews articulates, “Respectfully, eras pass and some aspects of Slipspace date back nearly a quarter of a century. While 343 Industries diligently nurtured its growth, Unreal Engine offers innovations long cultivated by Epic, beyond the reach of Slipspace’s grasp. Our shift heralds a new era of unfettered creativity.”
The sepulchral shackles of the past are cast off as Halo Studios forges ahead in alliance with Project Foundry within the expanse of Unreal. This demonstrated partnership showcases the malleability of the Epic Games engine within the hallowed tapestries of Halo. Still shrouded in secrecy are the enigmatic details regarding the forthcoming Halo projects, which titillate the imagination of fans and critics alike with promises of untold adventures in store.
