Halo 5
News, coverage and analysis tracking Halo 5 across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Halo Studios says "it is absolutely our intent" to release new Halo book, despite layoffs and a rumored lore reboot from Activision
Halo Studios is determined to release the upcoming Halo novel "Fireteam Noble" despite recent layoffs and a rumored lore reboot affecting the franchise. Franchise writer Alex Wakeford confirmed that significant editorial work has been completed and efforts are underway to ensure the book's completion, while also stating intent to finish the "Burn the Road Home" novella. The future of other Halo projects remains uncertain amidst these behind-the-scenes shakeups.
Activision’s Halo Could Reboot the Franchise – Rumor
Rumors suggest Activision may be rebooting the Halo franchise, with Xbox reportedly shifting Halo Studios to a support role. While a remake is unlikely, the next installment is expected to be a mainline entry, though details remain scarce. Some fans are skeptical due to the extensive lore, especially after disappointing turns since Halo 5: Guardians.
Halo needed to change, but Activision faces a huge challenge to fix it
Microsoft has transferred control of the Halo franchise from 343 Industries to Activision, a move met with skepticism due to Activision's track record with Call of Duty. While 343 Industries had successes like Halo Infinite's multiplayer and art direction, they struggled with campaign storytelling and consistent releases. The author questions Activision's ability to preserve Halo's unique identity while attempting to revitalize its relevance in the current shooter landscape.
Halo Stopped Being Relevant A Long Time Ago
The Halo franchise has been irrelevant for longer than it was ever popular, with its peak relevance ending around 2010. The departure of Bungie and subsequent games imitating trends rather than defining them, such as Halo 4's loadouts and Halo 5's MOBA-like Warzone mode, contributed to its decline. Despite attempts at innovation like Halo Infinite's open-world campaign and battle pass, the series has failed to recapture its former glory and is now seen as a victim of poor management and trend-chasing.
Activision prepares to "make the greatest Halo game ever" as it takes control of the franchise from Halo…
Xbox has announced a significant restructuring of its first-party studios, transferring stewardship of the Halo franchise from 343 Industries to Activision Blizzard. Rare and World's Edge will also operate under Activision Blizzard, impacting franchises like Sea of Thieves and Age of Empires. This move involves substantial layoffs and a new team being assembled to develop the next Halo game, with a stated goal to "make the greatest Halo game ever."
Next major Halo game being developed by Activision, as Halo Studios all but closes as part of Microsoft's Xbox restructuring
Microsoft has significantly restructured its Xbox division, leading to the closure of Halo Studios and the reduction of its staff. Development of the next mainline Halo game has been handed over to Activision, which will create a new team separate from Call of Duty for the project. This move is part of broader layoffs and studio consolidations within Microsoft.
Activision’s Goal is to “Make the Greatest Halo Game Ever,” Says President
Activision will now develop the next Halo game following significant layoffs at Xbox's Halo Studios. Activision president Rob Kostich stated the company's goal is to "make the greatest Halo game ever." The article notes the troubled legacy of the franchise under 343 Industries, citing issues with Halo 4, Halo 5: Guardians, and Halo Infinite.
Activision’s Halo Title is a “Full-Feature, Mainline Installment” – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Activision is developing a "full-feature, mainline installment" for the Halo franchise, rather than a remake. This new title aims to be the "greatest Halo game ever" and may remain a console exclusive for Xbox.
Give Master Chief a break – I want more Halo games like ODST and Reach
The author argues that while Halo's core FPS gameplay is legendary, its narrative potential, particularly seen in titles like Halo 3: ODST and Halo: Reach, has been underutilized in recent years. With the rebrand to Halo Studios and the release of Halo: Campaign Evolved, there's an opportunity to draw inspiration from these past successes and explore new storytelling avenues within the Halo universe, rather than solely focusing on Master Chief's main saga.
How to play the Halo games in order: chronologically and by release date
This guide details how to play the Halo games in both chronological and release date order. It lists all major titles and spin-offs, providing their original release years and their place within the Halo timeline, including platforms where they are currently playable.
All Halo Campaign Evolved changes and new features
Halo Campaign Evolved introduces significant changes to the original Halo Combat Evolved, including new prequel missions, a Campaign Remix mode, and four-player online co-op. The remake also expands the weapon and vehicle sandbox, adds new enemy types like Jackal snipers and Flood Tank Forms, and modernizes gameplay with features like sprinting and smart-link aiming. Visuals have been updated using Unreal Engine 5, and accessibility options have been greatly expanded.
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.
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.
There's never been an easier time to boycott Microsoft, the most boring video game publisher in the business
This opinion piece argues that Microsoft's gaming division lacks innovation and momentum, making it an easy target for boycotts. The author criticizes recent game announcements like Halo and Gears of War remakes, and highlights the company's perceived stagnation despite owning numerous studios and franchises. The article suggests that boycotting Microsoft is a small sacrifice given the company's broader business practices and the abundance of alternative games available.
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.
Video: Digital Foundry Delivers Its Tech Verdict For Indiana Jones On Switch 2
Digital Foundry has released a technical analysis of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on the Nintendo Switch, praising its visual fidelity and performance. The game utilizes advanced graphical features like ray-traced global illumination and DLSS to achieve a 1080p resolution when docked, often surpassing the Xbox Series S. While some performance drops occur in busy environments, the overall experience is considered remarkable for the hybrid console.
Community Builders Resurrect Halo 5’s Lost Warzone Mode in Infinite
Community creators known as The Scripter's Guild have spent two years rebuilding Halo 5: Guardians' Warzone mode for Halo Infinite. This fan-made version, TSG Warzone, features 12v12 PvPvE gameplay, a match-based economy, custom weapons, and unique vehicles, capturing the large-scale battles of the original. 343 Industries has officially recognized and spotlighted the community's effort, highlighting the evolving relationship between developers and players in preserving and evolving game experiences.
SILKROAD Project Unveils New Gameplay Trailer, Showcasing Fast-Paced Dual-Character Combat and Guesthouse Management
The solo-developed action game SILKROAD Project has released its first major gameplay trailer, showcasing its blend of fast-paced dual-character combat and guesthouse management. The trailer highlights the game's unique loop of stylish battles and the simulation aspects of running a caravanserai, including mini-games inspired by classic gameplay concepts.
Microsoft Gaming CEO Seemingly Plans New Game Pass Subscription Tier
Microsoft Gaming is reportedly considering a new, more affordable subscription tier for Xbox Game Pass, potentially featuring only first-party titles. CEO Asha Sharma expressed concerns about the current price point being too high for players and indicated plans to evolve the service into a more flexible system. A rumored tier codenamed "Triton" has been spotted in data, suggesting a lower-cost option with games from Xbox Game Studios.
Halo Studios’ Former Art Director Alleges Harassment Campaigns, Retaliation From Leadership
Former Halo Studios art director Glenn Israel has accused the company's leadership of harassment, favoritism, and retaliation, alleging that complaints were suppressed by Microsoft. Israel claims that leadership engaged in campaigns to force out employees and that his own role was made redundant as a retaliatory act. He warns potential employees against seeking work at the organization due to a lack of respect and fair compensation.
