Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier in material on the publication’s website divided Information about behind-the-scenes changes and changes in Microsoft’s own Studio 343 Industries (Halo series).
Image source: Xbox
At the beginning of January, a wave of layoffs swept through Microsoft, which also affected 343 Industries. According to Schreier, at least 95 people lost their jobs at the studio, including studio veterans, department heads, and contractors.
The cuts sparked rumors that 343 Industries would be weaned from Halo, but studio head Pierre Hintze and Xbox Game Studios boss Matt Booty denied it. However, questions remained.
Halo creative lead Joseph Staten left 343 Industries to release Xbox
The main problem was the engine. The one 343 Industries is now using, Slipspace, is based on old code and makes it difficult to develop new, near-complete modes for Halo Infinite, according to Schreier’s sources.
At the end of 2022, 343 Industries decided to switch to the Unreal Engine. It will form the basis of the Battle Royale (may evolve into something else) codenamed Tatanka (created with Certain Affinity) and possibly the future Halo.
Contrary to fans’ hopes, no new story content was being prepared for Halo Infinite: the staff (many of whom were unemployed in January) were more interested in prototypes at Unreal and ideas for potential Halo games.
In a letter to staff following the cuts, Hinze outlined the studio’s current goals: developing Infinite and the Forge editor, preparing tools for future Halo, and increasing the series’ viewership and target platforms.
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