343 Industries is working on Halo Infinite, as we're all aware, but it transpires that it has a second Halo project on the go and it's one that's taken us by surprise.
The studio is looking for a producer "to help develop a new project in the Halo universe," per the listing on Microsoft's careers website. The candidate must have experience with "shipping AAA current generation games" and "[driving] a talented team to produce AAA entertainment experiences." Based on these three details, there's no uncertainty here; this project is absolutely a new and original entry in the series that's on its way to the Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC.
It's interesting that the team is balancing its responsibilities on Halo Infinite alongside this supplemental game. Halo Infinite has had a shaky time of it, following the gameplay reveal in July 2020. The game's art direction was inspired by the original trilogy, which was in turn inspired by community feedback, but fans described what they saw to be flat and plasticky. Oh, and we met Craig. An unfortunate Brute who had a comedically vacant expression when clocked in the noggin by Master Chief.
Advert
All in all, it was not a glowing review for the most anticipated games headed for the launch of the next Xbox. "In many ways we are in agreement here - we do have work to do to address some of these areas and raise the level of fidelity and overall presentation for the final game," explained the studio in response to fans' comments on the gameplay. Ultimately, Halo Infinite was delayed to 2021, purposefully missing the launch of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S so that the team could realise the vision of a next-gen Halo game.
"Infinite is, by far, the most expansive and vertical Halo world, ever. Why did the team do this? Because they understand that wonder and freedom are key to the Halo experience," said creative director Joseph Staten. What could this second game be, then? Well, in late 2020, rumours swirled that Halo Infinite would be supported by two "spin-off titles." One would be Halo Wars 3, and the other would follow Fireteam Osiris, the main characters of Halo 5.
It remains to be seen whether these rumours have in fact borne fruit, but the idea that we're actually getting three Halo titles in the years ahead is very intriguing indeed.
Featured Image Credit: 343 Industries