What is Going On with 343 Industries?
What is going on with 343 Industries, the renowned developer of the Halo series, is a complex situation involving significant changes, including a shift from their proprietary Slipspace engine to Epic Games’ Unreal Engine for future games, as well as the studio facing layoffs that affected at least 95 people. The future of 343 Industries seems to be undergoing a significant transformation, with reports suggesting the studio will oversee outside development of Halo games, although Microsoft has assured that 343 Industries will continue as the internal developer for Halo.
Background and Recent Developments
Overview of 343 Industries
343 Industries has been at the helm of the Halo franchise since its inception, taking over from Bungie in 2011. The studio has developed several Halo titles, including Halo 4, Halo 5: Guardians, and Halo Infinite. However, the studio has faced challenges, including criticism for Halo Infinite and significant layoffs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is 343 Industries working on now? 343 Industries has begun work on the next generation of Halo games, marking a new chapter in the franchise’s development.
- Will 343 Industries no longer make Halo games? Reports suggest that 343 Industries will oversee outside development of Halo games, but Microsoft has confirmed the studio will remain in charge of Halo development.
- Why did 343 Industries fail with Halo Infinite? Halo Infinite was set up to fail due to a lack of resources, a fractured production cycle, unclear post-launch plans, and constant changes, according to insiders.
- How many employees did 343 Industries lose? At least 95 staff from 343 Industries were made redundant as part of Microsoft’s recent layoffs.
- Is Microsoft replacing 343 Industries? Matt Booty, head of Microsoft’s Xbox Game Studios, has assured that 343 Industries will continue as the internal developer for Halo.
- What will happen to 343 Industries? The studio will likely undergo significant changes, including a shift to Unreal Engine and potentially overseeing outside development of Halo games.
- Why did Bungie leave Halo? Bungie split from Microsoft due to internal conflict and a desire to move on from the Halo franchise, feeling Microsoft would leave it in good hands.
- Who will take over Halo? 343 Industries was given complete control of the Halo franchise in 2012, following Bungie’s completion of Halo: Reach.
- Did Bungie employees go to 343 Industries? Yes, several Bungie employees, including Frank O’Connor, joined 343 Industries to work on the Halo franchise.
- Who is the new head of 343 Industries? Pierre Hintze has taken over as studio head, following the departure of Bonnie Ross in 2022.
- Why did Bungie sell to 343 Industries? Bungie wanted to be an independent company and had to give up the Halo franchise to achieve this goal.
- Does Bungie still own Halo? No, Microsoft owns the rights to the Halo franchise, although Bungie created the series.
- Will there be a Halo 6? Halo Infinite is considered the sixth mainline entry in the Halo series, and there has been no official announcement for a Halo 6.
- How much money does 343 Industries make? 343 Industries generates $31.7M in revenue, although this figure may not reflect the studio’s current financial situation.
- Is Halo done making games? No, Microsoft has confirmed that 343 Industries will continue to develop new Halo games, despite rumors to the contrary and significant changes at the studio.