Call of Duty Studio Sledgehammer Games Reportedly Working on a New Halo Game

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and intrigue about this potential collaboration between Sledgehammer Games and Halo Studios. The thought of these two powerhouses joining forces is like a dream come true for many of us who have grown up playing both Call of Duty and Halo.

It’s being speculated that Sledgehammer Games, developers of Modern Warfare 3 (2023), might be moving to a different project. This rumor stems from Call of Duty leaker TheGhostofHope, who suggests that the studio known for Advanced Warfare could be taking on the Halo series. Initially, this news emerged during the summer months, but it’s gained more attention following a job listing that was later removed. This job listing hinted at working with Unreal Engine, which is precisely what Halo Studios (previously 343 Industries) confirmed for their upcoming Halo game.

As a dedicated gaming enthusiast, I stumbled upon some exciting news initially shared by Kobrille – it turns out that the creative minds behind Sledgehammer are currently recruiting for a project that’s taking us all by surprise! This new venture is rumored to be powered by Unreal Engine 5.

For those who are new to this, both Call of Duty and Halo series have always been powered by custom-made engines. As an example, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 operates on IW 9.0, a platform developed through a joint effort between Infinity Ward, Treyarch, and Sledgehammer Games. On the other hand, Halo Infinite was constructed using the team’s self-made Slipspace Engine, a point that has sparked debates among fans of the game for some time.

According to the information given in the October franchise update, Halo is switching from Slipspace to Unreal Engine as a more widely used option, guiding the franchise towards its future developments.

Earlier on, it was necessary for us to juggle our attention between designing an engine, maintaining it, and essentially functioning as both a tech company and an artistic studio. However, with the transition to UE, we can now advance Halo in ways that fans have yet to witness, while still staying true to its core identity. – Elizabeth Van Wyck, COO (paraphrased statement)

Utilizing the widespread acceptance of Unreal Engine significantly facilitates access to Halo’s development environment for creators. This means that instead of having to learn an entirely new system, developers can jump right in with a product already familiar from other sectors within the industry. Sledgehammer Games could potentially be involved here.

343i’s rebranding could be another strategic move, suggesting that the studio might have found its old name too limiting as it grew larger. The new title, Halo Studios, seems to imply a shift in approach, possibly aiming for greater inclusivity. Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard has brought Call of Duty and Halo together under one roof, with the former being a collaborative effort between 15 studios that consistently delivers blockbuster results annually. If this report is correct, it seems that there could be merit in broadening Halo Studios’ reach during this new phase.

Instead of coming up with an alternative approach, I’d rather team up with the creators of Advanced Warfare! That game, launched almost a year prior to Halo 5, was frequently compared to the Halo series due to its jetpacks, unique abilities, and a sci-fi makeover for the seemingly outdated modern warfare shooter. For many Halo fans nearing the end of Halo 4’s active support cycle, it served as a source of envy, offering a fresh take on what could have been for their beloved series.

As an avid fan, I can’t help but feel intrigued by the whispers that two titans of the FPS genre might be joining forces. However, it’s important to remember that unconfirmed rumors should always be met with a healthy dose of skepticism. Halo Studios, for one, has been transparent about not being ready for another game just yet, so any official announcement is probably still months, if not years, away.

2024-11-01 23:39

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