Summary
In a bit of disappointing news forHalofans, it’s been revealed that 343 Industries had between 20-30 unsuccessful pitches for Xbox’s flagship sci-fi shooter franchise, including a return to its popularHalo 3:ODSTspin-off story. After a bit of a rocky start,Halo Infiniteis still ongoing. While it can’t boast nearly the number of player numbers as competitors likeCall of DutyorFortnite, its latest season, named Reckoning, provided a much-needed shot in the arm for the playerbase.
Before Bungie left Microsoft to pioneer the modern live service model withDestiny, its handling of Xbox’s most important property was incredibly well-received. One of its most highly praised titles,Halo 3: ODST, followed up the third mainline game two years later with a darker side story based around a group of Orbital Drop Shock Troopers exploring the ruined city of New Mombasa. WithODSThaving a smaller scale than the mainline series, the game took only 14 months to make. Since 343 Industries was created to take control of the franchise after Bungie’s departure, manyHalofans have been clamoring for more smaller spin-off stories in the same vain asODST.
On Twitter, a former lead designer at 343 Industries, Kevin Schmitt, spilled the beans that, over a span of 12 years at the studio, there had been 20-30pitched ideas forHalothat “would have totally worked in theHalouniverse.” He mentioned that several of these pitches involved returning to the belovedODSTside story with both single and multiplayer experiences. Schmitt also mentioned that some of these pitches focused on more intimate character stories, and that one of them was a much darker idea.
It’s unknown whether it was the 343 studio heads or Xbox leadership that were shutting down all these interestingHaloideas. Schmitt did mention all these pitches taking place over the span of 12 years. Recent years have seen an Xbox that has allowed many of its first-party teams to continue working on smaller passion projects, such asObsidian’sPentimentandGrounded, Tango Gameworks’Hi-Fi Rush, and others. Perhaps many of these pitches took place before Xbox adopted its current mindset, back when it was possibly more careful and risk-averse when it came to its defining flagship franchise,Halo. With the massive undertaking that was gettingHalo Infiniteand its new Slipspace engine off the ground, perhaps the studio didn’t have the time or resources to devote to another side project either.
The Future Of Halo At 343
WithHalo Infinitestill ongoing after more than two years, 343 Industries has yet to announce any plans for what’s next forHalo. Since it seems like the studio may be moving on fromHalo Infiniteas a 10-year platform, perhaps it has new plans for smaller, story-focused titles likeODSTandReach. Whatever 343 is planning next, it’s likely that fans are still several years away from hearing about it.
Halo Infinite
WHERE TO PLAY
When all hope is lost and humanity’s fate hangs in the balance, the Master Chief is ready to confront the most ruthless foe he’s ever faced. Step inside the armor of humanity’s greatest hero to experience an epic open-world adventure and explore the massive scale of the Halo ring.With Network Campaign Co-Op and Mission Replay, you can relive your favorite moments, rediscover collectibles and explore the wonders of Zeta Halo on your own or with up to three other fireteam members.Experience Halo’s celebrated multiplayer reimagined and free-to-play! With over 70 maps in matchmaking, billions of customization configurations, and countless community Forge creations to experience, Halo Infinite is the franchise’s most expansive multiplayer offering to date.Enjoy an unprecedented variety of gameplay experiences, ranging from fast-paced intense ranked modes to whimsical mayhem in Custom Games, or even co-operative coordination in the wave-based survival mode Firefight: King of the Hill. Assemble your Fireteam and conquer every mode – Halo offers endless opportunities for teamwork, strategy, and unforgettable victories.
