Halo Studios, formerly known as 343 Industries, has embarked on a new chapter in the evolution of the Halo franchise. In a significant shift, the studio announced that all future Halo projects will be developed using Unreal Engine 5. This marks a departure from the proprietary Slipspace Engine that powered Halo Infinite, and paves the way for multiple new games currently in development. The announcement underscores the studio’s commitment to enhancing the Halo experience while embracing modern technology and development practices.
A New Era for Halo
The decision to adopt Unreal Engine 5 comes after a period of reflection on how the iconic series can better meet the expectations of modern gamers. Pierre Hintze, head of Halo Studios, explained that the move represents a fresh start for the franchise. “We’re not just improving the efficiency of development; we’re changing the recipe for how we make Halo games,” he said. This shift is aimed at creating more engaging experiences and catering to the evolving consumption habits of players.
The studio also emphasized that Unreal Engine 5 offers cutting-edge tools and technologies that will allow Halo games to push the boundaries of interactive environments, rendering, and lighting, thanks to features like Nanite and Lumen. The decision to switch to Unreal Engine also aligns with the studio’s goal of developing multiple games simultaneously while ensuring high-quality gameplay.
The End of Slipspace
For years, Halo games were developed using the Slipspace Engine, a platform that required significant resources and upkeep. However, the team recognized that maintaining and enhancing the engine took away valuable time and focus from game development. Elizabeth van Wyck, Chief Operating Officer of Halo Studios, stated, “The way we made Halo games before doesn’t necessarily work for how we want to make games in the future.”
The team also acknowledged the limitations of Slipspace, with some components of the engine dating back nearly 25 years. The Unreal Engine 5’s modern development tools are expected to not only streamline production but also expand the creative possibilities for future games.
Project Foundry and the Future
To demonstrate the potential of the franchise in Unreal Engine 5, Halo Studios developed Project Foundry, a visual and technical showcase that offers a glimpse into what future Halo games could look like. Though not an actual game or tech demo, Project Foundry serves as a training tool for the development team and represents the studio’s approach to pushing the Halo universe forward.
While specifics about the new Halo games remain under wraps, the studio reassured fans that Halo Infinite will continue to receive updates and support. However, the shift to Unreal marks a turning point for future projects, with an emphasis on quality and new experiences.
As Halo Studios looks ahead, the rebranding and transition to Unreal Engine 5 symbolize a bold new direction for the franchise. With multiple games in development and a focus on utilizing the latest technology, fans can expect a richer, more immersive Halo experience in the coming years. As the studio continues to innovate, it promises to deliver more while keeping fans engaged in the universe they love.
Stay tuned for future updates as Halo Studios prepares to reveal more about its upcoming projects.