Translated: Don't make us kick your ass
What makes up the “soul” of a video game franchise? Is it the characters and universe, or the folks the make the game itself? The Halo franchise is one of the most respected and beloved IPs in recent years. Fans of the game wondered what would become of the series after Bungie packed up its bags and said goodbye to the enigmatic Master Chief. Soon, the newly formed 343 Industries grabbed the reigns of Microsoft’s most important IP in order to keep the money train rolling. With games, novels, toys, and motion pictures at stake, the Halo franchise can’t afford to... well… suck.
It has recently been reported by the good folks at both Destructiod and Kotaku that one of Halo 4’s new creative directors, Ryan Payton, has decided to hang up his helmet and abandon the Halo franchise. Kotaku reports that Payton decided it was time to start his own studio (Camouflaj) in order to create “…a game that one billion people play at once, and it’s something that hits them harder than a great book or film.” While these aspirations may seem lofty, sometimes the best goals are ones that seem out of reach. Since game creation is indeed an “art”, it must be an incredible challenge for developers to be controlled by a number crunching mega-corporation.
343 Industries currently has 23 jobs posted for the next Halo trilogy. The question remains however, without the Bungie’s pedigree and creative horsepower behind the hood, is 343’s Halo really Halo at all?
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This probably isn’t as big of a deal as it seems, and he probably just wanted to do something too adventurous at launch for a new trilogy based on an established franchise.
That being said, who gives a crap about Halo 4, I want to play Halo CE: Anniversary Edition like now.
I think this franchise has reached the point of writing ‘halo’ in magic marker on a dvd case and it would sell millions. see also CoD and others.
While I’m more of a fan of a “ground aliens”, I personally feel like the Halo franchise is Bungie’s baby. I don’t doubt 343’s ability to make a great game, but I have a sinking feeling it won’t “feel” the same.