Halo
News, coverage and analysis tracking Halo across the outlets.
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Halo’s Rumoured Project Ekur Has Apparently Been Cancelled, And It Sounds Like It Was A Lot More Interesting Than We Thought
The secret Halo multiplayer project, codenamed Project Ekur, has reportedly been cancelled. The project aimed to explore new gameplay ideas but ultimately did not move forward, leaving the future direction of Halo's multiplayer uncertain.
What on earth is happening to the video games industry? - Reader's Feature
A reader expresses frustration with the current state of the video game industry, citing issues like mass layoffs, Sony's focus on live service games, and Microsoft's acquisition strategy. Concerns are raised about the move towards digital-only sales and the potential high cost of future consoles like the PlayStation 6. Despite these criticisms, the reader acknowledges the strength of the indie scene and the resurgence of companies like Capcom.
Xbox is closing down studios to help fund more Halo claim insiders
Xbox is reportedly planning significant layoffs and studio closures as part of a strategy to reallocate resources towards key franchises like Halo, The Elder Scrolls, and Fallout. Insiders suggest this move aims to revitalize struggling IPs and address issues with post-launch support, particularly for Halo Infinite. Several studios, including Ninja Theory and Double Fine, are rumored to be at risk.
Is yet another Microsoft studio, Obsidian, negotiating with Xbox to avoid closure? Conflicting reports emerge
Conflicting reports suggest that Obsidian Entertainment is negotiating with Microsoft to avoid closure, amidst a wave of layoffs affecting other Xbox studios like Arkane, Double Fine, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs. While one report indicates internal sentiment blames poor Call of Duty performance for these decisions, another source denies Obsidian is in negotiations to shut down, stating the studio will be kept by Xbox.
Obsidian reportedly safe from Xbox studio closures despite fears the RPG powerhouse was in negotiations to avoid…
Despite earlier reports suggesting Obsidian Entertainment was negotiating to avoid closure, Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier has confirmed the RPG developer is safe. The news comes amid widespread fears of mass layoffs and studio shutdowns within Xbox's gaming division.
Xbox May Shut Down Obsidian Entertainment, Too
New reports indicate that Xbox is considering shutting down or selling Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind games like Avowed and Fallout: New Vegas. This potential closure is part of a larger plan by Xbox to reallocate funds towards its major franchises, potentially affecting other subsidiaries like Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs.
Working as a Team: The Principle of Partnership
This article discusses how many game franchises are defined by a single protagonist, citing examples like Master Chief from Halo and Lara Croft from Tomb Raider. It contrasts this with Sony's approach of designing platforming mascots to undertake adventures as a team.
The Outer Worlds, Avowed Developer “Deep in Negotiation” With Xbox to Avoid Closure – Rumor
Reports suggest that Xbox is in negotiations with Obsidian Entertainment to prevent its closure, alongside other studios like Arkane and Ninja Theory. This comes after The Outer Worlds 2 and Avowed reportedly failed to meet Xbox's sales expectations. The fate of these studios, including Obsidian, is expected to be revealed around July 6th.
With Xbox Speeding Up Work on New Fallout Games, One Former Bethesda Dev Warns Faster Sequels 'Risk Fan Fatigue' — but Could New Vegas Developer Obsidian Be Drafted in to Help?
Xbox is reportedly accelerating development on new entries in The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, and Halo franchises under new leadership. However, a former Bethesda developer has cautioned that rushing sequels could lead to fan fatigue, suggesting that studios like Obsidian Entertainment might be considered to assist with Fallout development.
How to build an Xbox game night for every kind of player
This guide provides advice on hosting a successful Xbox game night for players of all skill levels and preferences. It emphasizes selecting a variety of games, structuring the evening in rounds, and accommodating both active players and spectators. The article also touches on practical tips like food choices, room setup, and utilizing services like Game Pass.
Xbox weighs closing Arkane Studios while pulling out of IO Interactive's next project
Xbox is reportedly considering closing Arkane Studios and cancelling Marvel's Blade due to development concerns. Additionally, Xbox has withdrawn funding and publishing support for IO Interactive's new fantasy project, codenamed 'Project Fantasy,' forcing the Danish studio to seek alternative arrangements. These moves are part of a broader restructuring by Xbox to refocus investments on its highest-priority titles and IPs.
The 11 most exciting video game releases of July 2026
July 2026 is set to feature a mix of new releases and remakes across multiple platforms, including the highly anticipated Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag Resynced and the debut of Halo on PlayStation 5. Nintendo will also release Rhythm Paradise Groove and Splatoon Raiders for the Switch 2, alongside an upgrade for Xenoblade Chronicles 2.
Halo Campaign Evolved's three new missions were inspired by Troy Denning's Halo books, but Halo Studios would recommend playing them after finishing the original story — 'It is meant to be played that way'
Halo Studios executive producer Damian Kahn and creative director Max Schlomberg revealed that the three new missions in Halo Campaign Evolved were inspired by Troy Denning's Halo novels and developed with his input. While playable in any order, the developers recommend completing the original Halo campaign first due to the intermediate difficulty of the new missions. The expansion, featuring a focus on the relationship between Sergeant Johnson and Master Chief, is set to release 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.
Former Xbox Employees Warn of Retaliation From Studio Leadership Ahead of Rumored Layoffs
Former Xbox employees have spoken out about alleged toxic behavior from studio leadership, warning that speaking out against superiors or filing complaints can lead to retaliation, including termination or being pressured to leave. Glenn Israel, former art director at Halo Studios, shared his experiences and advised current employees to be aware of their labor rights and to consult legal counsel if facing layoffs or disputes.
Morning Postmortems/Retrospectives
This article delves into the notorious 'Jedi Problem' that plagued Star Wars Galaxies during its development and lifespan. It also touches upon a chapter related to the Halo series, specifically 'Chapter 7'.
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.
Sea of Thieves is becoming a live-action movie, the Gears of War film apparently has a plot, and Microsoft's considering bringing the Halo TV show back
Microsoft is expanding its entertainment ventures beyond gaming, with a live-action Sea of Thieves movie in development and plot details emerging for the Gears of War film. The company is also considering reviving the Halo TV series. These projects highlight Microsoft's strategy to leverage its game franchises across various media platforms, even as the company faces potential restructuring and studio closures.
Call of Duty is “Bigger Than The Marvel Cinematic Universe”, Claims Xbox CEO
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and CCO Matt Booty discussed the immense success and cultural impact of Xbox's franchises in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. Sharma claimed Call of Duty is larger than the Marvel Cinematic Universe, while Booty detailed upcoming adaptations for Gears of War and the continued investment in Halo.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Main Menu Video Sparks Fan Debate Over Ring Detail
Halo Studios released a 6-hour video of the Halo: Campaign Evolved main menu, sparking a fan debate over the detail of the new Halo ring. Some fans have expressed concerns that the remake's ring is too detailed.