Halo
News, coverage and analysis tracking Halo across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Veteran artist behind Mass Effect, Halo, and Overwatch 2 weighs in on Nvidia DLSS 5
Veteran artist Mark Linington, known for his work on Mass Effect, Halo, and Overwatch 2, has shared his perspective on NVIDIA's DLSS 5 technology. He raises concerns about the impact of AI-driven rendering on artistic authorship and visual control in game development, questioning how much of the final image remains the creator's work.
Xbox co-creator says "it's just not true" gaming is on the decline despite layoff apocalypse
Former Xbox executive Ed Fries argues that the video game industry is not in decline, citing PC game growth and the increasing importance of global markets like China. Despite widespread layoffs and studio closures, Fries believes the industry has historically experienced cyclical swings and continues to show potential for significant growth.
The OG Xbox was meant to be a PC-console hybrid, and the console's co-creator says Project Helix is "very…
Ed Fries, a co-creator of the original Xbox, believes Microsoft's current 'Project Helix' initiative to bridge consoles and PCs echoes the initial vision for the Xbox. He explains that technical limitations, particularly RAM constraints, prevented the original Xbox from being a true PC-console hybrid, forcing a more custom architecture. Fries suggests that current hardware capabilities and the narrowing gap between PC and console gaming make this hybrid approach feasible today.
Former Halo Studios art director accuses studio of harassment
Former Halo Studios art director Glenn Israel and other ex-employees have accused the company of covering up workplace harassment and bullying. These allegations suggest a pattern of misconduct within the studio.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Launches on July 28th, Early Access Starts July 23rd – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Halo: Campaign Evolved will launch on July 28th for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, with early access beginning July 23rd. These dates were reportedly deduced from API data by a Twitter user. Microsoft and Halo Studios have not confirmed these details, with the game's official release window still set for 2026.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Rated MA 15+ in Australia
Microsoft is bringing the Halo franchise to PlayStation consoles, including the PlayStation 5, as part of a new business strategy. This move aims to leverage the large PlayStation install base due to declining Xbox console sales. The decision was announced by the Halo Studios Community Director and confirmed on the PlayStation Blog.
Former Halo Studios employees accuse studio of harrassment and retaliation
Former Halo Studios employees, including art director Glenn Israel, have accused the studio and Microsoft of covering up harassment, bullying, and retaliation. Israel detailed incidents from January 2025 to August and alleged that Microsoft uses layoffs to mask retaliatory acts. Other former employees have corroborated these claims, while Microsoft stated they take all claims seriously.
I watched the first TV show ever based on a game and it made me realize: we've really got it good these days
The article analyzes the first-ever TV show based on a video game, the 1980s Pac-Man cartoon by Hanna-Barbera Productions. It contrasts the low-effort nature of this early adaptation with modern, more successful game-based shows like Fallout and Arcane, highlighting the significant improvements in quality and storytelling.
Steven Spielberg Is A Big Fan Of Resident Evil Reboot Director
Legendary director Steven Spielberg has praised Zach Cregger, the director of the upcoming Resident Evil movie adaptation. Spielberg expressed admiration for Cregger's horror film 'Weapons,' stating it satisfied his desire to see great horror. He also revealed past interest in directing a Call of Duty movie and his involvement with the Halo TV series.
The Mass Effect TV show reportedly goes through rewrites to make it "more appealing to non-gamers," and I'm hoping it follows Fallout and not Halo in that direction
Amazon Prime Video's Mass Effect television series is reportedly undergoing script rewrites to increase its appeal to audiences unfamiliar with the games. The decision by Amazon's head of global television, Peter Friedlander, aims to ensure the show's success before production officially begins, drawing comparisons to the approaches taken with the Fallout and Halo adaptations.
Halo director alleges he experienced ‘multiple harassment campaigns’ and ‘blacklisting, fraud, rampant favoritism’ at Halo Studios
Former 343 Industries art director Glenn Israel has accused Microsoft and Halo Studios executives of orchestrating "multiple harassment campaigns," blacklisting, fraud, and rampant favoritism. Israel alleges that these actions were designed to create grounds for the termination of employees, and that HR departments failed to act. He also claims Microsoft uses layoffs to remove employees who have filed complaints.
Marathon Review – Bungie Nails the Extraction Shooter Loop
Bungie's Marathon successfully revitalizes the extraction shooter genre, offering a compelling gameplay loop that respects player time. Despite initial hesitation towards the genre, the game's smart design, engaging faction system, and satisfying gunplay make it a standout experience. However, effective communication with teammates is crucial, especially in later maps, which can be a challenge with random matchmaking.
Rumour: Halo's PS5 Debut Launches in June, According to Fanta-Related Fan Theory
A fan theory suggests that Halo: Campaign Evolved, a remake of the original Halo for PlayStation 5, may launch in June. This speculation is based on a promotional collaboration between Xbox and Fanta, which includes in-game rewards redeemable at launch. The theory posits that the game's release will coincide with the duration of this promotion, potentially during an upcoming Xbox showcase event.
Here's your chance to get Marathon for just $1 and score one of my favorite FPS games in recent years for a tiny price
Bungie's extraction shooter Marathon is available for a limited time for $1 as part of a Fanatical Mystery Egg Bundle promotion. The game is praised for its sci-fi atmosphere and intense gunplay, though it features a challenging learning curve where players lose all gear upon death. Other potential prizes in the bundle include indie titles and older AAA games.
Xbox’s New PS5 Action Game Port Gets Strong Reviews
South of Midnight, an award-winning action-adventure game originally released for Xbox Series X|S and PC, has launched on PlayStation 5 to strong reviews. The game is praised for its Southern Gothic Folklore-inspired story, unique stop-motion animation style, and engaging combat. It has received multiple awards, including Games for Impact and Outstanding Achievement in Animation.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Reportedly Reuses Assets from Halo Infinite
Reports suggest that the upcoming Halo: Campaign Evolved may be reusing assets, particularly enemy models and character assets, from Halo Infinite. While asset reuse is a common practice in game development for efficiency, this news has sparked discussion among fans regarding the visual identity and innovation of the new title.
Marathon review - ignore the noise, this game speaks for itself | Eurogamer
Marathon is a challenging multiplayer shooter that rewards strategic risk-taking and punishes mistakes, drawing comparisons to Dark Souls for its steep initial learning curve. The game emphasizes fair gunplay and avoids catering to a "lowest common denominator" audience, offering a high-stakes experience akin to Halo crossed with Rainbow Six Siege when played with others, or a solo equivalent of Alien: Isolation.
Players can 'unlock Xbox-themed interactive challenges' by buying special edition Fanta cans plus win in-game content for Call of Duty and World of Warcraft, along with console prizes
Xbox and Fanta have launched a special anniversary collaboration featuring themed drink cans and bottles inspired by franchises like Halo, Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Forza Horizon, and Diablo. Purchasing these drinks allows players to unlock interactive challenges and redeem in-game rewards for these titles, with chances to win prizes such as an ASUS ROG Ally and Xbox Series S consoles.
Xbox celebrates 25 years with... Fanta cosmetics for Halo and Forza Horizon
Xbox is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a limited-edition Fanta collaboration featuring themed cans and bottles for games like Halo, Forza Horizon 6, and Diablo 4. Scanning QR codes on the packaging will unlock interactive challenges and in-game rewards, including cosmetic items and entries for prizes like an Xbox Series S and Xbox Game Pass subscriptions.
Microsoft Is Celebrating 25 Years of Xbox by Putting Master Chief on a Fanta Pineapple Can
Microsoft is celebrating 25 years of Xbox by featuring Master Chief from the Halo franchise on a limited edition Fanta Pineapple can. This collaboration highlights the anniversary of the Xbox brand.