TheHalofranchise has been on rocky ground ever since Bungie jumped ship to work on its own projects. Microsoft’s internally formed studio 343 Industries, now called Halo Studios, has struggled to maintain the same quality bar as its predecessor, causing many to feel thatHalois far from the iconic industry leader that it once was.
This doesn’t put Microsoft in the best position, asHalowas once its golden goose, a symbol of authority, prestige, and innovation in the gaming space, which the company could use now more than ever. It’s no secret that Microsoft’s first-party output has fallen short of Nintendo’s and PlayStation’s during the last two console generations, and this struggle to produce competitive exclusives has led some to question whether the company will pivot solely to software production within the next few years. This speculation was accelerated by the news that games likeHi-Fi RushandPentiment—two of Xbox’s most revered modern exclusives—would be making their way over to PlayStation and Switch consoles. WithHalonow moving to Unreal Engine 5and away from the proprietary Slipspace and Blam engines, even more fuel could be poured on these fiery rumors.
Halo’s Adoption of Unreal Engine Could Suggest an Eventual Multiplatform Release
Unreal Engine 5 Could Make Future Halo Games Compatible With PlayStation, Nintendo Hardware
AsHaloenters this new era, it’s conceivable that more unexpected changes could be on the way, and a shift away from Xbox exclusivity may be among them. On its face, the move to Unreal Engine 5 might not seem like much—developers like CD Projekt Red have switched from their proprietary engines to UE5 without causing much of a stir, after all—but such a change comes with a startling implication: futureHalogames could run on competitor consoles.
With in-house engines like Slipspace and Blam, there was no need to consider how aHalogame might run on PlayStation or Nintendo devices, just like how Santa Monica Studios doesn’t factor Xbox compatibility into the equation when makingGod of Wargames on its proprietary engine. But Unreal Engine 5 is neutral ground, compatible with all platforms, making it far easier for Microsoft to portHaloto different consoles, if it chooses to do so.
None of this is to say that Halo Studios switching to Unreal Engine is a firm indicator of multiplatform status—there are several other potential reasons behind such a decision—but the removal of the roadblock posed by a proprietary game engine is nevertheless interesting to point out.
Halo Going Multiplatform Would Confirm One of Gaming’s Most Enduring Rumors
Speculation aboutHalocoming to PlayStationor even Nintendo consoles has cropped up many times over the years, but it’s normally been brushed off as baseless or absurd. Given the history of the console market, this response has been appropriate. But things are changing now: Xbox is loosening its commitment to exclusivity, bringing games from first-party developers like Obsidian Entertainment to its competitors' platforms—something that would have seemed ludicrous back in 2021, when Microsoft spent $7.5 billion on Bethesda.
Butthere’s a world of difference between making a game likeHi-Fi Rushwhich, despite rave reviews, isn’t exactly a system seller, multiplatform, and bringingHaloto non-Xbox consoles.Halosells Xbox hardware.Halois almost single-handedly responsible for putting Xbox on the map in the early 2000s, loosening Sony and Nintendo’s chokehold on the console market; when players hear the term “Xbox exclusive,“Halois usually what comes to mind. So, the prospect of the franchise migrating away from Xbox and PC seems wildly unlikely, unless Xbox is indeed planning on abandoning its hardware ambitions entirely. Still, the move to UE5 leaves a door open forHaloto make the jump.
Halo Infinite
WHERE TO PLAY
When all hope is lost and humanity’s fate hangs in the balance, the Master Chief is ready to confront the most ruthless foe he’s ever faced. Step inside the armor of humanity’s greatest hero to experience an epic open-world adventure and explore the massive scale of the Halo ring.With Network Campaign Co-Op and Mission Replay, you can relive your favorite moments, rediscover collectibles and explore the wonders of Zeta Halo on your own or with up to three other fireteam members.Experience Halo’s celebrated multiplayer reimagined and free-to-play! With over 70 maps in matchmaking, billions of customization configurations, and countless community Forge creations to experience, Halo Infinite is the franchise’s most expansive multiplayer offering to date.Enjoy an unprecedented variety of gameplay experiences, ranging from fast-paced intense ranked modes to whimsical mayhem in Custom Games, or even co-operative coordination in the wave-based survival mode Firefight: King of the Hill. Assemble your Fireteam and conquer every mode – Halo offers endless opportunities for teamwork, strategy, and unforgettable victories.
