On the same day Microsoft announced it would be laying off 10,000 workers, including employees at game studios Bethesda and 343 Industries, a former senior multiplayer designer on Halo Infinite, Patrick Wren, criticized 343 Industries management’s direction for the game.
Wren stated on Twitter:
While it’s clear that the wide scope of Microsoft’s layoffs cannot be solely attributed to 343 Industries, Wren suggests that the studio could have potentially spared or at least minimized the impact on its own team. Halo Infinite has had a tumultuous journey with its initial reveal met with skepticism, mocking memes, and a year delay. However, it managed to redeem itself when it launched in fall 2021, receiving decent reviews for its campaign and positive reception for its free-to-play multiplayer.
Will Microsoft Commit to a Roadmap
Halo Infinite, which was released on November 15, 2021, has left players and fans of the franchise feeling uncertain about its future. When the game was announced, Microsoft declared it was the platform for the future of the franchise, with plans to update the game regularly with new content and continue the story through expansions. However, since its launch, there have been few updates and little information provided by developer 343 Industries and Xbox on their plans for the game’s future.
The lack of updates and information has been further compounded by recent layoffs at 343 Industries, particularly of staff working on single-player content, and the departure of Joseph Staten, who was brought in to lead the game’s development. This has led to frustration and confusion among players, who feel like they are waiting for a game that may never fully exist.
As a passionate fan of the Halo franchise and someone with an understanding of how studios operate, the author has been patient in waiting for Xbox and 343 Industries to provide more information about the game’s future. However, the lack of clarity and the studio’s refusal to address the long-term plans for the game, outside of a few multiplayer maps and updates to Forge, has left the fanbase feeling unsupported.
The author believes that 343 Industries and Xbox are overdue for an explanation of their plans for Halo Infinite, as the game’s future currently feels directionless, and trust in the studio is at an all-time low. The game was not even mentioned in the recent Xbox showcase in June, and it is unlikely to be brought up again during the showcase on January 25. The author hopes that Xbox will address the future of the franchise and the studio, considering the recent layoffs, and Staten’s departure.
