Halo Transitions to Unreal Engine 5
343 Industries rebrands to Halo Studios, shifts to Unreal Engine 5, teases new projects, and offers a glimpse of the franchise's future.
In a groundbreaking move, the iconic Halo franchise is set to undergo significant changes as it transitions to Unreal Engine 5 to develop future games. The announcement was made during the Halo World Championship, where fans were treated to a glimpse of the future of Halo through a stunning video presentation:
Rebranding and new beginnings
The first significant change is the rebranding of 343 Industries to Halo Studios. This shift marks the beginning of a new chapter for the franchise, as the studio aims to redefine its approach to game development. Pierre Hintze, the Studio Head, emphasized that this transition is not just a clean break but a natural evolution.
“If you really break Halo down, there have been two very distinct chapters. Chapter 1 – Bungie. Chapter 2 – 343 Industries. Now, I think we have an audience which is hungry for more,” Hintze stated. Pierre is no stranger to the Halo franchise, and understands what makes the series tick. When the Halo: The Master Chief Collection was in dire need of a renaissance after a rocky launch, Hintze stepped in to right the ship and delivered on the original vision of the Collection.
Why Unreal Engine 5?
The decision to switch to Unreal Engine 5 is driven by the need for a more efficient development process. The proprietary Slipspace Engine, used in previous Halo games, required significant resources to maintain and update. By adopting Unreal Engine 5, Halo Studios can focus more on creating content rather than maintaining tools. Elizabeth van Wyck, COO of Halo Studios, explained, "The way we made Halo games before doesn’t necessarily work as well for the way we want to make games for the future."
Technological Advancements with UE5
Unreal Engine 5 brings advanced technologies that were previously unavailable in the Slipspace Engine. Features like Nanite and Lumen enhance rendering and lighting, allowing Halo Studios to create visually stunning and immersive experiences. Studio Art Director Chris Matthews noted that some components of Slipspace are nearly 25 years old, making the switch to Unreal a necessary step to keep up with modern gaming standards.
Multiple Projects in Development
With the new engine, Halo Studios is poised to develop multiple projects simultaneously. This approach meets the evolving expectations of gamers who demand faster content delivery. The studio’s reorganization and new workflow are designed to streamline the development process, ensuring that fans receive high-quality games more frequently.
A New Dawn for Halo
The unveiling of Project Foundry, an experimental project showcasing a Halo game built using Unreal Engine 5, has already generated excitement among fans. The visuals, featuring familiar Halo landscapes and characters, promise a bright future for the franchise. As Halo Studios embarks on this new journey, the community eagerly anticipates the innovative experiences that lie ahead. What do you think of these changes? Are you excited about Halo's future?
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