Game Informer has made its latest cover art, which features an exclusive look at the upcoming Halo: Campaign Evolved and a retrospective on Halo: Combat Evolved, available for free download. The cover art, created by lead concept artist Sam Wood, also serves as a tribute to the franchise's 25-year history.
Wood aimed to create a bold and colorful image that celebrated Halo's legacy while introducing it to new audiences. The composition, inspired by classic sci-fi movie posters by Drew Struzan, features a "hero pyramid" with the Master Chief at the center, surrounded by allies and adversaries. Deliberate color grouping was used to organize the image into warmer and cooler zones, aiding in the comprehension of the complex arrangement.
The artwork is described as a collage of faces and figures, designed to feel timeless and nostalgic rather than depicting a single moment. Characters are presented in an undefined space, contributing to a larger-than-life presence, and their symbolic visual relationships encourage reflection on their roles throughout the Halo saga.
Wood's process involved initial black-and-white sketches and value studies, followed by individual character posing and lighting within Unreal Engine. These digital renders were then composited and painted in Photoshop, incorporating lighting and visual effects. This method, while not always employed, was deemed valuable for achieving accurate character likenesses within a constrained timeframe.
The image prominently features the Master Chief, accompanied by Cortana and 343 Guilty Spark, who were central to the first Halo Ring adventure. Surrounding them are both familiar and potentially new characters. The artwork is divided by color, with warm tones representing the Flood and cool tones symbolizing the Covenant, while the Master Chief's green armor stands out defiantly.
Game Informer is providing the cover art in multiple sizes and formats, free of logos or embellishments. This offer extends to fans of the magazine and the Halo franchise, allowing them to download the art for personal use on various devices, including mobile, desktop, and ultra-wide setups.