Frank O’Connor, who served as Halo's franchise creative director for two decades, has shared his perspective on how Activision Blizzard should approach the development of future mainline Halo titles. Xbox's recent decision to shift Halo game development to Activision Blizzard has prompted various former developers to weigh in, with O’Connor offering specific advice on his LinkedIn.
O’Connor outlined three potential directions for the next Halo game, emphasizing that none are simple or guaranteed successes but one could thrive under Activision's stewardship. His primary recommendation is a return to the series' roots with a "classic" Halo experience that prioritizes sandbox, movement, and shooter mechanics. This approach would cater to the core audience while aiming for broader appeal and growth.
A second option involves a radical reinvention, proposing a "new take" on the FPS genre as an action-sandbox game or even an action RPG. This direction would hinge on a strong narrative and effective utilization of the Halo intellectual property.
Finally, O’Connor suggested that Activision could leverage its expertise in player progression and business models, similar to its approach with the Call of Duty franchise. This could manifest as a large-scale, annual or semi-annual spectacle with continuous content delivery.
O’Connor also provided general advice against tying game releases to hardware launch cycles, forcing the game into unsuitable formats, or abandoning the series' signature sandbox elements. He specifically recommended hiring talented former developers from Bungie and other studios who may have ideas that were previously stifled.
Co-creator Marcus Lehto also expressed surprise, yet not complete shock, regarding the development shift. While details remain scarce, the next Halo game is confirmed to be a "full-feature, mainline installment."