Exciting news for Halo fans—this weekend, 343 Industries made a significant announcement about the future of the iconic franchise. The studio has not only changed its name but also revealed a shift in game development focus, marking a new chapter for the Halo universe.
343 Industries Becomes Halo Studios
In a post on Xbox Wire, 343 Industries announced its rebranding as Halo Studios. This change signals a new era for the team, introducing a different approach to game creation and studio organization. The name shift underscores the studio’s commitment to reinventing itself and delivering fresh experiences within the Halo universe.
Unreal Engine 5 Takes the Spotlight
One of the most notable announcements from Halo Studios is the decision to switch to Unreal Engine 5 for future game development. This means that the long-used Slipspace Engine, which powered previous Halo titles, is being retired after 25 years.
While the Slipspace Engine played a key role in shaping Halo’s legacy, it couldn’t keep up with the advanced tools and technologies available in Unreal Engine 5.
The transition to Unreal Engine 5 opens up new possibilities for Halo Studios, including the use of Nanite and Lumen technologies. These features allow for incredibly detailed worlds and dynamic lighting, enhancing the overall player experience.
Project Foundry: A Glimpse into Halo’s Future
To showcase the potential of Unreal Engine 5, Halo Studios introduced Project Foundry. While not a game or tech demo, Project Foundry is a creative project designed to explore the capabilities of the engine in the Halo universe.
In this project, the team created three distinct biomes inspired by classic Halo maps. These include landscapes reminiscent of the Pacific Northwest and Coldlands, as well as a new region called Blightlands, which has been completely overtaken by the Flood.
Multiple Halo Games in Development
Another major development is that Halo Studios will now work on multiple Halo games simultaneously, thanks to the efficiency and flexibility provided by Unreal Engine 5. Previously, the studio focused on one game at a time, but this change marks a significant step toward expanding the Halo franchise and delivering new content more frequently.
Conclusion
The rebranding of 343 Industries as Halo Studios and the switch to Unreal Engine 5 signal an exciting new chapter for the Halo franchise. With multiple games now in development and advanced technology at their disposal, fans can look forward to innovative and expansive experiences in the Halo universe in the coming years.