Halo Embraces Unreal Engine 5 for Enhanced Gaming Future

Microsoft has confirmed the development of multiple new Halo games, coinciding with the rebranding of 343 Industries to "Halo Studios." This marks a significant shift for the studio responsible for the iconic military sci-fi franchise.

Xbox Game Studios' 343 Industries Rebrands to Halo Studios

Halo Studios Embarks on a New Era of Halo Game Development

Microsoft-owned Halo Studios (formerly 343 Industries) has announced multiple Halo game projects are underway. This announcement coincides with the studio's rebranding, signifying a new chapter in the franchise's history.

Studio Head Pierre Hintze stated, "Halo has had two distinct chapters: Bungie and 343 Industries. Now, we're responding to player demand for more. We're not just improving development efficiency, but fundamentally changing how we create Halo games."

The studio will leverage Epic Games' Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) for future Halo titles. UE5's reputation for high-quality graphics and realistic physics makes it an ideal choice. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney tweeted, "Epic is honored that Halo Studios has chosen our tools for their future work!"

Halo's leadership team outlined a renewed focus on player feedback and game quality. Hintze explained the shift to UE5 will enable the creation of superior Halo games, stating, "Our singular focus is to make the best possible Halo games."

COO Elizabeth Van Wyck emphasized the importance of player input, stating, "Success hinges on building games players want to play. This new structure empowers game developers to make key decisions, and we're actively seeking broader player feedback."

Studio Art Director Chris Matthew highlighted the technological advantages of UE5, noting that the transition from the aging Slipspace engine will significantly improve development speed and capabilities. He explained, "Aspects of Unreal, developed by Epic over time, are unavailable in Slipspace and would have taken immense resources to replicate."

The move to UE5 will also streamline content updates and allow for quicker responses to player feedback. Van Wyck stated, "It's not just about development time, but also about updating the game and adding new content based on player preferences." Halo Studios has begun recruitment for these new projects.