Insider Report: Activision's Sledgehammer Team Prototyping a Halo Reboot on Call of Duty Engine

Key points

• Insider Rebs Gaming reports that Activision is considering a soft reboot of Halo that does not retcon existing canon but diverges from Halo Infinite's story.
• The reboot may explore Master Chief's origins, a narrative previously explored in the cancelled Paramount TV series.
• Sledgehammer Games has already conceptualized and prototyped gameplay mechanics for both campaign and multiplayer modes within the Infinity Ward Engine.
• Activision initially proposed two separate games (free-to-play multiplayer and campaign-only) but opted for a single combined package to align with traditional Halo releases.
• The shift to the Infinity Ward Engine suggests the abandonment of the proprietary Slipstream engine and Unreal Engine 5, which were used for recent Halo titles.
• The project is in early development, and details may change, according to the insider report.

Background

Microsoft recently transferred the Halo franchise to Activision as part of a broader restructuring of Xbox Game Studios, which included the closure of Halo Studios and the cutting of 268 jobs. This move followed the release of Halo: Campaign Evolved, which received strong critical reviews but failed to meet sales expectations. The transfer has sparked debate among fans and former developers about the future of the franchise, with some expressing concern over a potential reboot and the loss of the franchise's unique identity. Former Halo director Frank O'Connor has advised Activision to consider hiring laid-off staff from Bungie and Halo Studios to preserve the franchise's legacy.

How outlets are covering it

Eurogamer reports that Activision is considering a soft reboot of Halo, potentially focusing on Master Chief's origins, with a team within Sledgehammer Games leading the development. The report suggests that Activision has moved from separate multiplayer and campaign prototypes to a single combined title, using the Infinity Ward Engine. Kotaku highlights the concerns of former Halo director Frank O'Connor, who has advised Activision to hire laid-off staff from Bungie and Halo Studios to preserve the franchise's legacy. O'Connor has outlined three possible paths for the next Halo game: a classic shooter, a modern reinvention, or a Call of Duty-style service model. He has also warned against tying the game to hardware launch cycles. The perspectives differ in their focus, with Eurogamer emphasizing the technical and narrative aspects of the potential reboot, while Kotaku highlights the human and strategic considerations of the franchise's future.

Why it matters

The potential reboot of Halo by Activision marks a significant shift for the 25-year-old franchise, which has been a tentpole brand for Microsoft and Xbox. The move to the Infinity Ward Engine and the involvement of Sledgehammer Games suggest a departure from the proprietary Slipstream engine and Unreal Engine 5, which were used for recent Halo titles. This could impact the game's development, gameplay, and overall quality. The potential reboot also raises concerns about the future of the franchise's narrative and identity, with some fans and former developers expressing worry over a potential retcon or loss of the franchise's unique identity. The move also highlights the broader restructuring of Microsoft's Xbox division, which has led to significant layoffs and the closure of several studios.

What to watch

The next steps for the Halo franchise will depend on Activision's development plans and the outcome of the early-stage prototypes. The potential reboot may focus on Master Chief's origins, but the final narrative and gameplay mechanics are yet to be determined. The involvement of Sledgehammer Games and the use of the Infinity Ward Engine suggest a departure from the proprietary Slipstream engine and Unreal Engine 5, which could impact the game's development and quality. The future of the franchise will also depend on Activision's ability to hire and retain talent, particularly from Bungie and Halo Studios, as advised by former Halo director Frank O'Connor. The broader restructuring of Microsoft's Xbox division will also play a role in the future of the franchise, with potential impacts on development, marketing, and distribution.