Halo Studios: Unreal Engine 5 Powers Next-Gen Halo Games

Halo Studios Switches to Unreal Engine 5 to Make “The Best Possible” Halo Titles

Microsoft has confirmed multiple new Halo games are forthcoming, along with the announcement of the rebranding of 343 Industries—the studio developing the military sci-fi franchise—to “Halo Studios.”

Xbox Game Studio's 343 Industries Rebrands to Halo StudiosHalo Studios Accelerates Plans for Developing Halo Games Players Desire

343 Industries, the Microsoft-owned studio that assumed control of the Halo franchise from series creator Bungie, confirmed that multiple Halo game projects are underway. Along with this announcement, 343 Industries rebranded its identity and will now be known as Halo Studios.

"If you really analyze Halo, there have been two very distinct chapters. Chapter 1 – Bungie. Chapter 2 – 343 Industries. Now, I think we have an audience that desires more," Studio Head Pierre Hintze said in an announcement post. "So we’re not just going to try [to] enhance the efficiency of development, but alter the approach to how we make Halo games. So, we commence a new chapter today."

The studio also announced that it will be developing new, forthcoming Halo installments using Epic Games' Unreal Engine 5 (UE5). The UE5 has been praised for producing top-tier game titles that feature sharp graphics and realistic game physics. "The first Halo redefined console gaming in 2001, and over the generations Halo has pushed the cutting edge forward with amazing gameplay, story, and music," Epic CEO Tim Sweeney said in a tweet. "Epic is honored that the Halo Studios team has selected our tools to aid in their future endeavors!"

In line with today's announcement, Halo's lead developers discussed the military sci-fi franchise's new trajectory. "We had an undue focus on trying to create the optimal conditions for Halo Infinite's success," Hintze shared regarding their experience with the Halo franchise, further stating that the transition to UE5 will enable them to produce more Halo games with the highest possible quality. "We want a singular focus," Hintze said. "Everyone here is dedicated to crafting the best possible Halo games."

Halo Studios Switches to Unreal Engine 5 to Make “The Best Possible” Halo Titles

Halo franchise COO Elizabeth Van Wyck added: "Ultimately, if we create the games our players desire, that's how we'll succeed. That's our primary motivator. That's precisely what this structure achieves – we empower the daily game developers to make key game decisions." Van Wyck also noted they are pursuing "increasingly comprehensive feedback" from their player base as they pursue the franchise's new direction. "Ultimately, it's not just our evaluation; it's how our players evaluate it?"

As players' expectations for their gaming experiences evolve, Studio Art Director Chris Matthew added that the transition to UE5 allows developers to craft games meeting fan expectations. "With all due respect, some Slipspace components are nearly 25 years old," he explained. "While 343 continuously developed it, Unreal Engine features developed by Epic over time are unavailable in Slipspace – replicating them would have required significant time and resources."

Halo Studios Switches to Unreal Engine 5 to Make “The Best Possible” Halo Titles

Moving Halo to UE5 also enables the game series to continuously expand with new updates in a comparatively shorter timeframe. "It’s not just about the time to market, but the time to update the game, deliver new content, and adapt to player preferences," Van Wyck said. With Halo Studios' plans underway, the studio also announced that it has begun recruiting for new projects.