Microsoft Transitions Halo Development to Unreal Engine 5
Microsoft is moving its Halo development to Unreal Engine 5, concluding over a year of speculation regarding an engine shift. This change follows a significant leadership overhaul at 343 Industries, coupled with layoffs and other organizational changes. As part of this transition, 343 Industries is now becoming Halo Studios, symbolizing a new chapter in the history of Halo.
The migration to Unreal Engine 5 is positioned as part of a broader transformation for Halo Studios aimed at reshaping its technology, structure, processes, and culture. “We’re not just going to try to improve the efficiency of development, but change the recipe of how we make Halo games,” says Pierre Hintze, studio head at Halo Studios.
Master Chief in Unreal Engine 5. Image: Halo Studios
Halo Studios will transition from the studio’s Slipspace Engine to Unreal after the proprietary engine built for Halo Infinite presented significant challenges. Development efforts have been strained due to staff being dedicated to refining the Slipspace Engine, parts of which are nearly 25 years old.
“One of the primary things we’re interested in is growing and expanding our world so players have more to interact with and more to experience,” explains Chris Matthews, art director at Halo Studios. “Nanite and Lumen [Unreal’s rendering and lighting technologies] offer us an opportunity to do that in a way that the industry hasn’t seen before. As artists, it’s incredibly exciting to do that work.”
While Halo Studios has not committed to specific release dates or game announcements, the team is actively developing examples of Halo operating in Unreal. Dubbed Project Foundry, this initiative serves as a research, development, and training tool critical for how the studio plans to evolve its game development practices.
The world of Halo in Unreal Engine 5. Image: Halo Studios
Project Foundry has been structured like a shipping game, ensuring much of its content can be incorporated into future Halo titles. “It’s fair to say that our intent is that the majority of what we showcased in Foundry is expected to be in projects which we are building, or future projects,” Hintze comments.
Project Foundry features enhanced landscapes for Halo biomes and foliage levels previously unseen in past Halo games. Master Chief’s armor has been redesigned in this footage as part of a broader remaster effort for Halo: Combat Evolved.
Halo Studios is currently focused on developing multiple Halo games, while the Slipstream Engine will continue to support Halo Infinite. “We had a disproportionate focus on trying to create the conditions to be successful in servicing Halo Infinite,” states Hintze. “[But switching to Unreal] allows us to put all the focus on making multiple new experiences at the highest quality possible.”
Expert Opinions
James O’Brien, Game Developer:
“Transitioning to Unreal Engine 5 will not only streamline development but also allow for unprecedented visual fidelity in future Halo titles. It’s about time we see the franchise leveraging cutting-edge technology.”
Maria Chen, Game Industry Analyst:
“This strategic pivot presents a chance for Halo Studios to redefine its creative direction. However, it raises questions about how it will affect the established Halo community expectations.”
David Martinez, Tech Journalist:
“Unreal Engine 5’s capabilities are indeed thrilling, but will the storytelling and gameplay evolve alongside the graphics? That remains a crucial factor for the success of the franchise.”
What are your thoughts on Microsoft’s move to Unreal Engine 5 for Halo? Join the conversation below and share your insights!