343 Industries
343 Industries business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Some Of The Most Impressive Gaming Tech Ever Wasn’t Enough To Save Devs From Xbox Cuts
Microsoft's recent layoffs at id Software have raised concerns about the future of its proprietary id Tech engine, with reports indicating a significant portion of the studio's coding talent was let go. This follows a trend of major studios, including 343 Industries and potentially MachineGames, moving away from internal engines towards Unreal Engine, potentially hindering technological innovation in the gaming industry.
Xbox has lost five studios – so who is left to make new video games?
Xbox has undergone significant layoffs, impacting approximately 3,200 staff members and leading to five studios divesting from the company. Xbox leadership aims to refocus on core franchises and expand its daily audience to over a billion people through its services. The article details the remaining studios, their current projects, and their future prospects under this new strategy.
Ex-Xbox dev slams game execs as ‘money grubbing idiots’ in quote of the year
A former Bungie and 343 Industries developer, Dan Callen, has criticized game executives, calling them 'stupid detached money grubbing idiots.' Callen shared an anecdote about former Xbox executive Don Mattrick suggesting Halo 4 should implement a real money auction house for mech skins, a concept that had previously failed in Diablo 3. This criticism comes amid recent layoffs at Sony and Microsoft, highlighting ongoing issues within the games industry.
Halo Project Ekur Reportedly Cancelled, Team Shifted to Campaign Evolved in Summer 2025 – Rumor
Reports suggest that Halo Project Ekur has been cancelled, with its development team reportedly shifted to work on Halo: Campaign Evolved due to issues with the latter. The cancellation comes amidst rumors of layoffs at Xbox. Halo: Campaign Evolved is slated for release on July 28th for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
'The original code is in this game' — Halo Campaign Evolved executive producer says some level layouts have been redesigned to avoid 'repetiveness' but 'you are playing the DNA of the original game'
Executive producer Damon Conn stated that Halo Campaign Evolved retains the original code and DNA of Halo: Combat Evolved, despite being rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5. The team has redesigned some level layouts and encounters to reduce repetition and enhance visual distinction, particularly in areas like The Library, while preserving the original story and intent. The game is set to launch on July 28 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Former Halo art director who complained about "fraud" and "cronyism" warns looming Xbox layoffs are a chance for bosses to settle scores
Former Halo art director Glenn Israel warns that impending Xbox layoffs could be used by executives to retaliate against employees who have raised complaints about misconduct. Israel, who claims he was driven out of his job after reporting alleged fraud and cronyism, advises current staff to seek legal counsel and document evidence before potential job cuts occur.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Cross-Play and Cross-Saves Explained
Halo: Campaign Evolved, a remake of the classic FPS powered by Unreal Engine 5, will feature cross-play and cross-progression across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC. Players will need an Xbox gamertag to utilize these features, regardless of their chosen platform. The game is set to launch on July 28, with early access available on July 23 for specific editions.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Won’t Let You Use the Mark IV Armor Outside of the New Prologue Missions
343 Industries has clarified that the Mark IV armor from Halo: Campaign Evolved's new prologue missions will not be usable in the base game or Campaign Remix. Additionally, Master Chief's customizations will not appear in cutscenes to maintain narrative fidelity, and Sgt. Johnson's special rifle will remain exclusive to the prologue. The game launches July 28th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.
Bryce Clark, game director of Poppy Playtime, has played 23,000 hours of Steam games: 'I'm a bit obsessed with…
Bryce Clark, game director for Poppy Playtime, revealed he has accumulated approximately 23,000 hours across his Steam account over 18 years, with Rocket League, Ark: Survival Evolved, and 7 Days to Die being among his most played titles. Clark, who has worked in game development for 20 years, discussed his current gaming habits, including playing multiple games simultaneously to understand market trends and genres, and highlighted The Hunter: Call of the Wild and Subnautica as his comfort games.
Halo: Campaign Evolved PS5 split-screen issue clarified
Halo Studios clarified split-screen co-op requirements for Halo: Campaign Evolved on PlayStation 5, confirming a PlayStation Plus subscription is only needed for online play, but a Microsoft account link is still mandatory for local multiplayer. The article also notes the absence of a photo mode and that Master Chief's appearance will not change in cutscenes to maintain narrative fidelity.
Halo: Campaign Evolved’s Local Co-op Won’t Require PlayStation Plus After All
Halo: Campaign Evolved will not require PlayStation Plus for local split-screen co-op, contrary to earlier reports. While players will need individual PlayStation accounts, online co-op will still necessitate PlayStation Plus. The game is set to launch on July 28th for Xbox Series X/S and PC, featuring the classic campaign with new prologue missions and customizable gameplay elements.
Games Inbox: Are the original Halo games still worth playing?
Readers discuss the enduring appeal of older Halo titles, with one praising Halo 3's timeless design and soundtrack. Another reader reflects on the evolution of gaming technology and online infrastructure since the original Xbox era. Concerns are also raised about the current state of game pricing and the potential impact of consumer reluctance to buy games at full price.
Microsoft is looking to speed up development of future Elder Scrolls, Fallout, and Halo games
Microsoft is reportedly considering significant changes for its Xbox division, including the possibility of spinning it off as a standalone company or forming a joint venture. The company has approved plans to increase spending on major game series like Halo, Fallout, and The Elder Scrolls to accelerate their development.
I watched the new Halo remake gameplay, then replayed the original to nitpick the differences
A comparison of gameplay footage from the upcoming Halo: Campaign Evolved remake and the original Halo: Combat Evolved reveals significant changes. The remake, powered by Unreal Engine 5, introduces modern features like sprint, HUD waypoints, and altered visual fidelity, which the author argues may detract from the original's distinct design and pacing.
Halo: Campaign Evolved’s New 3rd Person Perspective Lets You Experience Missions “Like Never Before”
Halo: Campaign Evolved will introduce a new third-person perspective option via a "Perspective" Skull, allowing players to experience classic missions like "The Silent Cartographer" in a new way. This update also enables players to view unlockable armor skins. The game launches on July 28th for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, with a Premium Edition offering early access and exclusive skins.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Preorders Are Here, Including A Massive Collector’s Edition
Preorders are now available for Halo: Campaign Evolved, a remake of the original Halo: Combat Evolved, on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. The game features a remastered campaign with new missions and gameplay enhancements, and will be released on July 28. Multiple editions are available, including a Premium Edition with digital extras and early access, and a Collector's Edition with physical collectibles like a Master Chief statue.
New Halo: Campaign Evolved trailer uses PS5 Pro footage as Xbox cracks down on exclusives, leaving fans in disbelief: "Microsoft can't even console war correctly"
A new trailer for Halo: Campaign Evolved, a remake of the original Halo: Combat Evolved, has sparked disbelief among fans by showcasing gameplay captured on a PlayStation 5 Pro. This decision by Microsoft to feature footage from a competing console has led to discussions about the future of console exclusivity and Microsoft's strategy.
What's the plan with Halo, Xbox?
The author expresses disappointment with the lack of a clear future plan for the Halo franchise, despite recent showcases and the rebranding of 343 Industries to Halo Studios. While new content like Operation Meteorite for Halo Infinite is noted, the article argues the series has been stagnant for years and questions the continued reliance on Master Chief.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Debuts First-Ever PS5 Pro Gameplay in New Cinematic Trailer
Halo: Campaign Evolved, a remake of Halo: Combat Evolved, debuted its first cinematic story trailer featuring gameplay captured on PlayStation 5 Pro. The trailer showcases new features like hijacking vehicles and using the SMG, which were not in the original game. The remake will launch on July 28th for Xbox Series X/S, PC, and PlayStation 5, with early access for Premium and Collector's Edition buyers.
Bit Bot Expands Leadership with AAA Veterans, Appoints Halo's Frank O’Connor as Creative Director
Multimedia studio Bit Bot has expanded its leadership team, appointing Frank O'Connor, formerly of Halo fame, as Creative Director and Brian Ullrich as Studio General Manager. The studio aims to accelerate original IP development across games, film, comics, and merchandise, bringing in AAA veterans to bolster its creative and production capabilities.