Xbox's Biggest Franchise Could Go on Hiatus
343 Industries will no longer develop the game, and its TV series is cancelled after only two seasons.
Halo fans all over the world might be feeling dejected. It was recently announced that 343 Industries will no longer develop the game. This puts an end to more than a decade worth of Halo games made by the company.
Their first game after Bungie's departure was in 2011, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary for the Xbox 360. Their first big title was Halo 4, also for the 360. Halo 5 and Halo Infinite were their other major projects, the latter being a somewhat disappointing game, considering how Microsoft and Xbox hyped us about the Xbox Series X|S and the future of gaming.
The lackluster title eroded the trust between Microsoft Gaming and 343 Industries. The company from Redmond has recently made a huge investment in acquiring studios like Bethesda and more importantly, Activision, who owns the Call of Duty IP.
Huge investments demand better results.
Microsoft has spent billions of dollars on these, and other acquisitions, so naturally, they have become more demanding in terms of results. We have witnessed the closing of many smaller development studios, particularly Tango Gameworks, who developed Hi-Fi Rush. This game had very positive receptions and was available from day-one on Game Pass.
Bethesda, who developed Starfield, has been under pressure not only for the bad launch of their space RPG, but for the lack of news regarding Elder Scrolls VI, which was teased 6 years ago during E3.
Microsoft Gaming is realizing that spending money left, and right is not the solution to build a great portfolio of IPs and games. They need a clear vision and more importantly, talent. We mention the gaming division for a reason, they have been slowly taking over Xbox when it comes to being in charge.
There is a clear restructuring going on at Microsoft and Xbox at the moment. Merging Bethesda, Activision, and their own studios under the Microsoft umbrella is no easy feat. It is a complex task to manage hundreds of employees, all working in different areas, whether directly or indirectly related to gaming.
This has led to Microsoft Gaming not hesitating when it comes to restructuring or closing studios. 343 Industries will be assigned to something other than their beloved Halo.
The Halo TV Series
During the dreadful Mattrick days, around 2013, Xbox had an ambitious vision for its biggest franchise. They announced that a TV series was going to be produced, further expanding on the lore of the Master Chief.
Nine long years later, in 2022, the much-awaited series came out. It was yet another lackluster production to say the least. It was received with mixed reviews, but it was passable. The series focused on the Master Chief, and a lot of creative liberties were taken. The series was unfortunately canceled after only two seasons because of its high production costs.
The series simply did not get the audience they expected. The numbers simply did not add up, and the plug was pulled. A sad fate for Microsoft's biggest franchise.
Is Halo in any danger?
It is hard to say if Microsoft will part ways with Halo. Usually, these companies keep the IP and put it on stand-by rather than sell it. Likely, Halo will be put on hold, while the next developer studio takes the helm on the project.
Developing a triple A video game is a multi-year project, so we don't expect anything major to come for the next few years.
The thing is that Microsoft now owns Call of Duty as well, a bigger franchise than Halo itself. It is the 'new kid on the block' and the company from Redmond paid a pretty penny for it. Naturally, they will focus most of their attention on Call of Duty for the time being.
Do not be surprised if we eventually see the Master Chief trading shots with Captain Price or Soap. Adding a Master Chief skin to the game will certainly keep fans talking about Halo, while the next big thing comes out.
What are your thoughts on the state of the Halo franchise? Have you been disappointed? Let me know in the comments below.
Comments