Totally agree, depressing news indeed. While MP is great in Halo the campaigns were what I always loved about the series the most and seeing the great foundation of Infinite (in all aspects IMO) not continuing makes me really sad, just the idea of Staten directing the next campaign made me really hopeful for something amazing.
Also I don’t know how to feel about the whole 343 working with other developers…as @lunanto said in another thread I fear that the gameplay/feel may change too much due to different engines e.t.c. especially now that with Infinite 343 nailed the enemy AI/reactions, controls and the general feel so perfectly IMO. About experimenting with different genres I wouldn’t say no but I can’t say that I am excited for that, spin-offs can be cool but Halo is one of the best FPS (even at it’s “worst” with Halo 4/5) games/series ever made and that’s why I loved it in the first place.
Hopefully they know what they’re doing and everything will work out in the end.
After reading the rumor of 343 being downsized and regulated to a support studio, that’s an interesting turn about. With the Activision/Blizzard/King deal still looming, it could be beneficial if it goes through to Halo as well.
I know it was mentioned that one of the COD studios wanted to work on or create a futuristic shooter, now they may have the chance to steer one of the most beloved shooters if the deal goes though.
It would be interesting to see a developer like Infinity Ward, Raven, Sledgehammer or Treyarch try their hand at Halo.
All in all, I feel bad for the staff and developers at 343 who were let go, it’s never easy to get laid off. With the rumor of the restructuring, maybe they can work on experimental projects and other stuff within the universe without having the weight of delivering a numbered Halo sequel. Getting that monkey off their back should be liberating.
I’ll say this. When it comes to layoff, people like us are automatically turn against the corporate. Also, they reacted in a personal feeling. I get it, which is why I won’t argue against them. Just wish people don’t take it too hard to the point it has no return. I’m only referring to those who are just witnessing, not ones who got affected.
Nah, Halo doesn’t need to be COD-ified. Completely different campaign structures. I’m wondering do a lot of you making these suggestions have a good understanding of Halo.
The gameplay will be fine. I think Microsoft will be leaning on co-development like they are doing with PERFECT DARK, FABLE and the AGE series. They will have a small campaign team maybe 50-100 and bring in other devs to do the brunt work. While some might criticize this, I think it allows Xbox to work with as many devs in the industry and thereby gain favor also makes good for when they say their strategy benefits the industry.
That’s the thing though, it doesn’t need to be “COD-ified,” they would be able to use the blue print laid out by 343 and even Bungie themselves and add their own flavor to it.
I’m not saying it should happen but I can see Microsoft going in that direction If the deal goes through, giving one of those developers the ability to do something new and different from the usual COD cog they’re stuck in.
Halo is distinct with the way it feels and that shouldn’t be taken away, but it doesn’t mean it can’t be adjusted.
I think so long as there are still Halo games being made that feel like Halo (which seems to be the intent, they mentioned using the slipspace engine still) I’ll be fine if they make side games that change things up as much as they want to - including potentially a Call of Duty styled ODST game.
It really sucks what is happening and we’re far from finished with the layoffs in the industry but there’s going to be a strong push from investors in most big companies to cut costs. When interest rates were low investors only cared about growth but with the current world situation of high inflation causing Central banks to raise interest rates, investors want high profit and will push to cut jobs along with projects that don’t make money.
In comment sections I see quite some concern regarding games like Starfield now, after the news that BGS was part of the layoffs too.
But I cannot imagine that Xbox didn’t know what they were doing, they are not stupid. My guess is the project is either nearing the finish line, or these people just were not needed anymore. No way they’d jeopardise their easily biggest title this year, hell, for a long time to come.
