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Microsoft recently assigned development of the next Halo title to Activision, establishing a dedicated team separate from Call of Duty operations. According to insider Rebs Gaming, Activision is reportedly considering a full reboot for the science fiction franchise, which could potentially delve into Master Chief's early beginnings.
Initially, Activision pitched two separate titles featuring a free-to-play multiplayer offering alongside a campaign project described as a soft reboot that avoids invalidating existing lore. Ultimately, the publisher shifted toward combining both single-player and multiplayer elements into a single cohesive package.
Development efforts at Sledgehammer Games have already yielded conceptual gameplay prototypes and movement mechanics utilizing the Infinity Ward Engine, potentially replacing Unreal Engine 5 and leaving Halo Studios' Slipstream engine inactive. Rebs Gaming cautioned that the project remains in early development and plans remain subject to change.
This stewardship shift follows Halo: Campaign Evolved generating $67 million in gross revenue over its first two weeks, alongside significant restructuring and layoffs affecting Halo Studios and other Xbox division developers. Activision has only officially confirmed that it is developing the next franchise entry.
