Activision may be considering a complete reboot for the Halo franchise, aiming to provide a fresh start distinct from the lore established over its 25-year history. This initiative reportedly stems from conceptual prototypes developed by Sledgehammer Games, the studio behind Call of Duty titles.
According to information shared by Rebs Gaming, which cited anonymous sources, Activision is in the process of assembling a dedicated team for the next Halo game, potentially within Sledgehammer Games. Prototypes for both a free-to-play multiplayer experience and a narrative campaign were allegedly created using the Infinity Ward engine, the same engine used for Call of Duty.
While the use of the Call of Duty engine is not confirmed for the final product, these prototypes suggest it as a possibility. The proposed campaign is described as a soft reboot, intended to diverge from the narrative path of Halo Infinite without completely discarding established canon. However, plans are reportedly fluid, and original project concepts have been abandoned.
This potential shift implies that a direct sequel to Halo Infinite might be unlikely. Rebs Gaming also indicated that a significant portion of Halo's existing story could be rebooted. A common criticism leveled against the franchise since Bungie's departure and the transition to 343 Industries was its move away from standalone storytelling. While supplementary materials like novels and comics initially enriched the universe, they eventually became essential for understanding crucial plot points and characters. This approach led to a fragmented lore, with major antagonists being sidelined and narrative threads left unresolved, necessitating extensive external reading for full comprehension.
In related news, former Halo franchise director Frank O’Connor has reportedly offered guidance to Activision, outlining potential pitfalls to avoid as they embark on developing the new Halo game.