Activision is reportedly considering a reboot of the Halo franchise, with Sledgehammer Games contributing to early concepts and gameplay prototypes. This potential new direction comes after Microsoft recently transferred stewardship of the Halo series to Activision, establishing a dedicated team separate from its Call of Duty divisions.
According to a report from Halo and Xbox insider Rebs Gaming, Activision's initial proposals included separate free-to-play multiplayer and campaign-only games. However, the studio eventually opted for a single package that combines both elements. The proposed campaign experience is described as a soft reboot that would not directly follow the narrative of Halo Infinite but would avoid retconning established lore. The focus may shift to exploring Master Chief's origins and his early rebellion-crushing activities.
Development efforts have reportedly involved Sledgehammer Games, which has already conceptualized and prototyped gameplay mechanics for both campaign and multiplayer components. These prototypes were built using the Infinity Ward Engine, the proprietary technology that has powered Call of Duty titles since 2005. This suggests a potential move away from Unreal Engine 5, which was used for Halo: Campaign Evolved, and signifies the apparent end of Halo Studios' proprietary Slipstream engine.
While the project is in its early stages and subject to change, the report indicates that Sledgehammer Games could be a primary team for the new Halo title. The transfer of Halo development to Activision follows significant restructuring within Xbox, including layoffs at Halo Studios, which has reportedly been largely dissolved.
Halo: Campaign Evolved, which launched recently to positive reviews, did not meet Xbox's desired sales expectations, despite generating $67 million in its first two weeks. Nevertheless, Halo remains a key franchise for Microsoft.