In preparation for the 23rd anniversary of the Halo franchise and the third birthday of Halo Infinite, Halo Studios unveiled exciting updates at the 2024 Halo World Championship. One of the highlights is the introduction of the new Operation Haloween, set to run from October 8 through November 5, as well as the permanent return of the game mode Survive the Undead in matchmaking. Players will also have the option to experience multiplayer in third-person, a first for the series. However, the biggest news was the announcement that future Halo games will now be developed using the Unreal Engine 5.
Since its inception, Halo has predominantly used in-house developed engines, such as the Blam Engine and later the Slipspace Engine. However, with the upcoming transition to Unreal Engine 5, future Halo titles will benefit from a more widely used engine that will streamline development processes. By leveraging Unreal, Halo Studios aims to focus more on game creation rather than engine development, ultimately leading to more efficient project management and faster updates for players.
The decision to switch to Unreal from Slipspace was made to facilitate easier development and hiring, as Unreal is a widely recognized engine in the gaming industry. This shift will allow Halo Studios to work on multiple projects simultaneously and potentially bring back the prolific release schedule seen in the late 2000s. From anticipated sequels like Halo 7 to rumored remakes and new projects exploring different aspects of the Halo universe, the future of Halo games looks promising with Unreal Engine 5 at the helm.
To demonstrate the capabilities of developing Halo with Unreal, Halo Studios initiated Project Foundry, showcasing three new environments and iconic Halo elements within the engine. This initiative provides a glimpse into the creative potential that Unreal brings to the Halo universe, from expansive landscapes to intense combat scenarios. By harnessing the power of Unreal Engine 5, Halo Studios is poised to deliver a fresh and immersive gaming experience for Halo fans.
With Unreal Engine 5 already powering popular titles like Fortnite, Hellblade 2, and more, the transition marks a significant step forward for the Halo franchise. The accessibility and versatility of Unreal will enable Halo Studios to evolve creatively and deliver innovative gameplay experiences. As the next chapter in the Halo saga unfolds, fans can expect a resurgence of content and projects that will redefine the future of the beloved franchise.
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