Halo May Become An Annual Franchise

Started by Raven, May 03, 2014, 01:35 AM

0 Members and 6 Guests are viewing this topic.

Raven

Microsoft Probably Starting Work on Just Another AAA Xbox One Halo Game; Franchise May be Annual Now


We already know that Microsoft and 343 Industries are working on on an all-new Halo for Xbox one, while Halo 2 Anniversary has been strongly rumored. Yet today a very solid hint popped up pointing to the possibility that a third Halo game may be at the outset of its development.

Microsoft posted three new career opportunity ads seeking a Producer, a  Senior Producer, a Lead Producer. The ads were all posted at the same time and they all mention developing a "new project in the Halo universe."

Not only this is the first time that wording appears, but hiring three producers at the same time is very indicative of the possibility of the game being an entirely new project. Normally, when you start development of a new game and begin creating a new team for it, the first thing you do is building up the team of producers, who will then help out with gathering and coordinating the rest of the budding development team. On the other hand, hiring three producers (including the Lead Producer) at the same time for a game already deep in development is quite unlikely.

Furthermore the post for the Lead Producer includes a mention of leading a team of "2-3 producers" that matches the other ads and indicates that a new team is being built.

The ads also give a few more indications about the game's nature: experience in shipping AAA Current generation games is mentioned across the board, indicating that we're looking at a relevant Xbox One title.

In addition to that, work with external teams and cross-functional "virtual" team is mentioned extensively, showing that at least part of the game will be outsourced, whether it'll be at other internal Microsoft studios or to fully external developers.

Ultimately, if the rumors about Halo 2 Anniversary will prove true, this could be further evidence of the intention to annualize the Halo franchise. Looking at the standard two to two and a half years development cycle for a modern AAA game and assuming that development will begin shortly, this one should hit the shelves around the fall of 2016.

The only other realistic possibility besides the likely start of a new project is that 343 industries may be creating a whole new team (indicated by the hiring of the Lead Producer, since there normally is only one per team) to pile up on the development of an existing project, but this option conflicts with the "new project" wording in the ads.

Of course this should be considered a rumor until Microsoft makes an official announcement about it, but the hints are quite solid.

http://www.dualshockers.com/2014/05/02/microsoft-probably-starting-work-on-just-another-aaa-xbox-one-halo-game-franchise-may-be-annual-now/

Raven

I love Halo. Some of my best memories of a first-person shooter came from a Halo title. This, however, really makes me think Microsoft is going to run it into the ground.

nnodley

And now Halo will fall faster than ever!!  How publisher think this is a good idea is beyond me.  The franchises won't last forever and won't last as long when they are annual.  Big freaking mistake. 

nnodley

Quote from: Raven on May 03, 2014, 01:36 AM
I love Halo. Some of my best memories of a first-person shooter came from a Halo title. This, however, really makes me think Microsoft is going to run it into the ground.
They will run it into the ground and they already are and it's not annual yet.   Next I expect gears of war to be annual as well as forza.  And the label of xbox being all halo, gears of war, and forza will continue.

Raven

Quote from: nnodley on May 03, 2014, 01:38 AM
And now Halo will fall faster than ever!!  How publisher think this is a good idea is beyond me.  The franchises won't last forever and won't last as long when they are annual.  Big freaking mistake.

Honestly, I think they missed the boat. If they would have annualized Halo back when people were on fire for it they would have made a killing. Halo 4 made it pretty clear that while there are tons of people who will buy into the franchise the power it had over the gaming community is nowhere near what it used to be. Making it an annual franchise at this point would be a mistake. They need to get people fired up for it like they used to.

Legend

Our first Xbox thread!

Also halo is already yearly if you include the spin-off games.

Raven

Quote from: NotJoe on May 03, 2014, 01:44 AM
Our first Xbox thread!

Also halo is already yearly if you include the spin-off games.

Haha I wasn't even sure if this was okay or not. Not quite clear yet on what exactly we're aiming for with this forum in general. I was wondering if you were gonna smack me with a two minute ban hammer.  :P

Legend

Quote from: Raven on May 03, 2014, 01:46 AM
Haha I wasn't even sure if this was okay or not. Not quite clear yet on what exactly we're aiming for with this forum in general. I was wondering if you were gonna smack me with a two minute ban hammer.  :P

We'll obviously lean towards Playstation, but all gaming content should be allowed.

7H3

the new project could be for Windows phones/tablets as well
"It's hip to be square." - Eurogamer<br />"Shut up its art!" -Legend

Legend

Quote from: 7H3 on May 06, 2014, 02:29 AM
the new project could be for Windows phones/tablets as well
Or even a kinect game!