Halo
News, coverage and analysis tracking Halo across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Sunday Consolidation
Halo developers have clarified that split-screen co-op for the game on PlayStation 5 will not require a PlayStation Plus subscription. This addresses previous confusion regarding online service requirements for local multiplayer features.
We are watching the end of Xbox in real-time and it’s heartbreaking - Reader’s Feature
A reader expresses concern over the current state of Xbox, suggesting Microsoft's management and strategy, including the costly Game Pass model and lack of console exclusives, have led to significant studio closures and layoffs. The author fears this marks the beginning of the end for the Xbox brand as a major console player, drawing parallels to Sega's transition to a third-party publisher.
The greatest FPS mode of all time is endangered
The article discusses the decline of the Capture the Flag (CTF) game mode in modern first-person shooters, highlighting its historical significance and unique appeal. While CTF was once a staple, its rarity in current titles is attributed to the rise of service games and genre specialization, with few developers offering the variety that supported CTF's prominence.
Game Crossovers and Collaborations
Riot Games is hosting a Valorant-themed 'pub' event in east London, promoted by a British takeaway personality. The article also briefly mentions that Tom Cruise was considered for the role of Master Chief in Halo.
No, Tom Cruise wasn't nearly Halo's Master Chief, and Julia Roberts wasn't nearly in the series either - but there was this conversation at a party
Contrary to rumors, Tom Cruise and Julia Roberts were never close to being cast in Halo. Voice director Marty O'Donnell confirmed a conversation at a party where a casting agent proposed Cruise as Master Chief and Roberts as Cortana for Halo 2, but O'Donnell rejected the idea, prioritizing the established fan connection with original voice actors Steve Downes and Jen Taylor.
Xbox’s Biggest Problems May Still Be Ahead
Xbox is facing significant internal challenges despite a recent showcase of upcoming games like Gears of War: E-Day. CEO Asha Sharma admitted to substantial financial losses and poor investment returns over the past five years, citing issues with funding franchises and inadequate infrastructure. Reports suggest impending layoffs and potential restructuring, including spinning off Xbox as a subsidiary or forming joint ventures, as Microsoft seeks to make its gaming division a sustainable business.
Microsoft's games are bigger than Xbox. So just scrap Xbox.
This article argues that Microsoft should discontinue the Xbox as a hardware platform due to its financial unsustainability and focus instead on its game development studios. The author suggests spinning off the gaming division into an independent entity to maximize revenue from its vast portfolio of games like Call of Duty and Minecraft, decoupling them from expensive console hardware.
Games Inbox: What is happening to Xbox and can it recover?
Readers express significant concern over the future of Xbox, citing massive layoffs, studio closures, and a perceived lack of direction from Microsoft. There is widespread pessimism about Xbox's ability to recover from its current struggles, with some suggesting it's past the point of no return. The discussion also touches on other gaming news, including the upcoming release of Forgotlings, the secrecy surrounding the Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, and opinions on Grand Theft Auto 5's themes.
Xbox Game Studios head and chief of staff step down as 'Xbox reset' looms
Xbox Game Studios head Craig Duncan and chief of staff Louise O'Connor have stepped down, with their departures coinciding with a planned "Xbox reset" by new leaders Asha Sharma and Matt Booty. The company is reportedly considering significant layoffs and potential studio closures, with Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory mentioned as being at risk.
Xbox Game Studios Boss Is Out Ahead Of Reported Layoffs And Other Major Changes To “Reset” Xbox
Craig Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios, is departing Microsoft after 15 years, along with his chief of staff Louise O'Connor. These changes precede reported layoffs and potential studio closures as Xbox CEO Asha Sharma aims to "reset" the business. The departures follow comments from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella about the need to make Xbox a sustainable business.
Xbox studios exec and former Rare boss resigns ahead of expected mass layoffs
Xbox Game Studios boss Craig Duncan and chief of staff Louise O'Connor are leaving Microsoft amidst reports of impending mass layoffs within the Xbox division. Duncan, who previously led Rare for 14 years, cited his purpose in serving studios and teams. These departures come as Xbox undergoes significant changes, including a pivot back to exclusive games and potential restructuring.
Microsoft Boss Wants Xbox to Start Pulling Its Weight Financially
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that the Xbox division needs to become more profitable, acknowledging that the company has been subsidizing entertainment rather than monetizing it effectively. New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is tasked with reassessing the division's strategy to ensure economic sustainability in game development and hardware.
Microsoft CEO says Xbox must become 'sustainable' as it reportedly considers major spinoff
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that Xbox must become a 'sustainable' business, implying it has been subsidized rather than profitable. This follows reports that Microsoft is considering spinning out Xbox into a standalone unit, potentially to sell it or find a partner. The company also aims to speed up development for major franchises like Halo and The Elder Scrolls, while addressing challenges like memory chip price increases driven by AI companies.
Microsoft CEO admits "there's more monetization of Xbox games happening on YouTube" than the company as it tries to "turn this into a sustainable business"
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that the company needs to make Xbox a sustainable business, noting that more monetization of Xbox games occurs on YouTube than within Microsoft itself. He acknowledged industry-wide challenges like rising manufacturing costs and the need to define Xbox's future strategy to ensure economic relevance for both the company and its customers.
Xbox to pour more development into Fallout, Halo, and Elder Scrolls franchises, report says
A report indicates that Microsoft is shifting its focus for Xbox, prioritizing accelerated development and increased funding for future titles in the Elder Scrolls, Fallout, and Halo franchises. This strategic change comes amid reports of potential major layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division and considerations about Xbox's future structure, including its potential separation as a subsidiary or even sale.
Microsoft CEO says Xbox must become a sustainable business
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that the company's focus for Xbox is shifting towards making the business financially sustainable, rather than continuing to heavily subsidize it. He noted that monetization efforts have not always been successful, with more revenue sometimes generated on platforms like YouTube than by Microsoft itself. Nadella also touched on rising hardware costs due to semiconductor shortages and the need to integrate PC, console, and mobile gaming experiences.
Microsoft may spin-off Xbox into separate business or team-up with rivals claims report
A report suggests Microsoft is considering spinning off its Xbox division into a separate subsidiary or forming a joint venture with rivals, though no immediate plans are in place. CEO Satya Nadella emphasized the need to make Xbox a sustainable business, hinting at increased investment in key franchises like Halo, Fallout, and The Elder Scrolls to improve monetization.
Report: Microsoft weighing up spinning off Xbox
Microsoft is reportedly considering spinning off or restructuring its Xbox division as a wholly owned subsidiary to improve its financial sustainability. New Xbox boss Asha Sharma has reportedly received approval to increase spending on key franchises like Halo and Fallout to accelerate development, despite recent revenue declines and plans for further layoffs.
Game Crossovers and Collaborations
This article touches on various game crossovers and collaborations, including Steven Kane's discussion on 'Halo' and fan pressure, the soundtrack secrets of '007 First Light', and a crossover event reveal trailer for Brawlhalla featuring Shrek.
Microsoft reportedly considering restructuring Xbox into its own "wholly-owned subsidiary" and "moving faster" on releasing first-party games
Microsoft is reportedly considering restructuring Xbox into a wholly-owned subsidiary or a joint venture to improve its business performance. This potential move is accompanied by plans to accelerate the development of first-party games from franchises like Halo, Fallout, and The Elder Scrolls. The company is also reportedly planning significant budget cuts and layoffs as part of a broader business reset for the Xbox brand.
