Here are five possible directions a Halo spin-off game might take
Source: 343 Industries
Recently, it was discovered that Halo developer 343 Industries “is looking for a Senior Producer to work with our Core Services team to help develop a new project in the Halo universe,” according to a job listing.
With Halo Infinite coming later in 2020 and Head of 343 Industries Bonnie Ross expressing a desire to “tell different stories through different genres,” it seems incredibly likely that this new Halo project will be a spin-off title. Here are some possible directions that we think this upcoming game might take.
Halo Wars 3
Source: 343 Industries
In terms of what the gameplay would look like, I think we would end up with something similar to Halo Wars 2, except with more strategic and tactical depth so that the game would be more appealing to hardcore RTS fans. Considering space combat was also considered for Halo Wars 2 at one point, it’s likely that we would see that introduced as well.
LEGO-style Mega Construx game
A year after this, gameplay of the project leaked online, and 343 Industries released an official statement confirming that “Haggar had a lot of fun ideas and invention behind it, but ultimately didn’t progress beyond the early prototyping levels that are shown in the recent video.”
The reason I think 343 Industries might try and revitalize this project for modern systems is because of how explosively positive the Halo community’s reaction was to the leaked gameplay footage. Countless fans took to social media platforms to express their love of the idea and disappointment about the game’s cancelation. When you consider how far along the original project looked, 343 Industries would probably have an excellent foundation to work off of if it decided to give Mega Bloks Halo (now rebranded as Mega Construx) a second attempt. It would also be a fantastic way to introduce younger audiences to the franchise.
A grounded, gritty shooter
Source: Bungie
As for what the game may be like, I suspect that it would take inspiration from ODST and put you in the shoes of a Marine. The ability to jump high and rip turrets off of their mounts would be removed, and instead the gameplay would feel weighted and slower — perhaps like Metro Exodus. Survival mechanics and design choices such as limited ammunition, status effects, and more, could be implemented, too, and if the Flood end up entering the fray, we might have a survival-horror Halo game on our hands.
Some type of mobile experience
Source: 343 Industries
It’s also worth pointing out that Halo has already appeared on app stores twice already. The topdown shooters Halo: Spartan Assault and Halo: Spartan Strike were both released years ago on iOS, Android, and Windows Phone (press F to pay respects) devices. While they’re currently not for sale anywhere except on PC, their original release on mobile does highlight that Microsoft is willing to put Halo on phones.
A Halo MMORPG
Source: Bungie
Considering the MMO market is a space Microsoft isn’t competing in at all right now, there’s a fair chance that it may be looking to break into it with Halo. After all, Halo’s universe is deeply rich in terms of scale, detail, and lore — all three of which are vital pillars that any MMO setting needs.
Admittedly, this would be quite an ambitious endeavor and I imagine that if it were the case, 343 Industries would need to partner with one or multiple studios. That being said, I really want it to happen, as I think it would be an incredible new angle to appreciate Halo from. The idea of a Halo game where you can choose to be a UNSC or Covenant soldier (Spartans and Elites, respectively) and then engage in a gargantuan open universe filled with PvE and PvP opportunities with your friends sounds phenomenal.
Your thoughts
What do you think of the ideas I presented here? Is there another type of spin-off that you think is more likely to happen? Let me know.
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