In a bold move signaling a major shift for the franchise, 343 Industries has rebranded as Halo Studios and announced the adoption of Unreal Engine 5 for future Halo game development. This news comes after a tumultuous period for the studio, marked by development challenges and the lukewarm reception of Halo Infinite.
Halo Studios head, Pierre Hintze, emphasized the studio’s commitment to revitalizing the franchise. “We’re entering the next chapter,” he stated, highlighting that Unreal Engine 5 will “change the recipe for how we make Halo games.” The transition to Unreal Engine 5 is expected to streamline development and unlock new creative possibilities for the series.
This decision follows reports of 343 Industries’ struggles with their in-house Slipspace engine, which reportedly hampered the development of Halo Infinite. By switching to Unreal Engine 5, Halo Studios aims to leverage a robust and widely-used engine known for its stability and versatility.
The studio has already commenced “Project Foundry,” an initiative exploring the potential of Unreal Engine 5 for Halo. A recent video showcasing this project offered glimpses of stunning visuals and hinted at a renewed focus on innovation.
This news has sparked excitement among Halo fans, who hope that this change will usher in a new era of high-quality Halo experiences. The adoption of Unreal Engine 5, coupled with the rebranding to Halo Studios, symbolizes a fresh start and a renewed dedication to the beloved franchise.
While no specific titles or release dates have been announced, the future of Halo under Halo Studios and Unreal Engine 5 appears promising.