Certain Affinity
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Keywords Studios combines multiple marketing businesses into global creative agency FreeAnimal
Keywords Studios has launched FreeAnimal, a new global creative agency that consolidates seven of its existing marketing and production firms, including Ichi, KWM, Fire Without Smoke, Gnet, TrailerFarm, Maverick, and Big Farmer. This move aims to provide a single point of contact for developers, publishers, and brands, leveraging the collective expertise across its network of international offices. The initiative is part of Keywords Studios' broader strategy of acquiring and integrating companies to expand its service offerings in the gaming industry.
“Current and Former” Employees Disagree With DOOM Co-Director’s About id’s Current State
Current and former id Software employees have disputed co-director Hugo Martin's claims that the studio was not significantly impacted by recent Xbox layoffs. Developers expressed that approximately 50% of the workforce was cut, leading to a feeling that their contributions were undervalued and that the team has been 'nerfed'. The article also touches on past development challenges, including significant crunch and turnover during the creation of DOOM (2016).
Two thirds of remaining Doom (2016) devs laid off during latest round of Xbox cuts
Despite id Software co-director Hugo Martin's claims that the studio is the same size as it was during Doom (2016)'s development, current and former employees allege that approximately two-thirds of the Doom (2016) development team was laid off during recent Xbox cuts. These sources feel Martin's statement misrepresents the impact of losing significant talent and institutional knowledge, potentially affecting future game development.
Halo Studios reportedly ends development of large-scale multiplayer PvP shooter Project Ekur
Halo Studios has reportedly cancelled the development of Project Ekur, a large-scale multiplayer PvP shooter codenamed by Certain Affinity. Resources were allegedly reallocated to finish the remake Halo: Campaign Evolved. The cancellation means a new large-scale PvP experience in the Halo universe will not be released.
Halo Studios reportedly cancels Halo multiplayer project Ekur, which had customisable Spartans and Elites and large player battles
343 Industries has reportedly cancelled Project Ekur, a multiplayer Halo project that was being prototyped by Certain Affinity. The cancellation appears to be linked to recent Xbox layoffs and potential development issues with the Halo 1 remake, Halo: Campaign Evolved. Project Ekur was envisioned as a large-scale multiplayer experience with customizable Spartans and Elites, drawing inspiration from Halo 5's Warzone mode.
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.
Multiplayer Halo Project Ekur Was Going To Be An Extraction Shooter – Rumor
A rumored standalone Halo multiplayer title, codenamed Project Ekur, was initially planned as an extraction shooter by Certain Affinity. Reports suggest the project has since shifted to a large-scale multiplayer shooter, moving away from its earlier battle royale concept. This change occurred as development transitioned to Unreal Engine 5, with prototypes exploring extraction shooter elements before settling on a direction closer to Halo 5's Warzone mode.
Halo Standalone Multiplayer Title “Project Ekur” is Being Co-Developed by Certain Affinity – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Certain Affinity is co-developing a standalone Halo multiplayer title codenamed "Project Ekur" using Unreal Engine 5. The article also mentions alleged remakes of Halo 2 and Halo 3 in early development, alongside a potential announcement for "Halo: Campaign Evolved" at the Xbox Games Showcase on June 7th.
Halo lead mocks rumors that the studio is chasing Arc Raiders and Marathon with a PvE extraction shooter spin-off
Halo community director Brian Jarrard humorously addressed rumors of a PvE extraction shooter spin-off, mocking the speculation with a joke about a pottery game. While not a direct denial, his response comes amid ongoing speculation about the future of the Halo franchise and the studio's development priorities. The article also touches on the popularity of extraction shooters and the potential for a Halo-themed game in that genre.
