Revamped Future for Halo: Unreal Engine 5 and Potential PS5 Port
Following the conclusion of the 2024 Halo World Championships, Halo fans were treated to some exciting news about the franchise’s future. 343 Industries announced its rebranding as Halo Studios, along with a major shift in game development. Moving forward, Halo titles will be created using Unreal Engine 5, leaving behind the previous Slipstream Engine. This decision has sparked discussions about the possibility of Halo games making their way to PlayStation 5, opening up new opportunities for the iconic franchise.
The transition to Unreal Engine 5 has garnered attention from industry insiders, with many highlighting the advantages it offers for multi-platform development. Rich Leadbetter of Digital Foundry shared his insights with Eurogamer, emphasizing the benefits of working with an engine designed for seamless deployment across various platforms. This move is expected to streamline the development process and make porting Halo games to different systems a much smoother experience.
Recent reports have suggested that Microsoft is exploring the idea of bringing more games, including Halo, to PlayStation 5. While Halo has been synonymous with Xbox, Microsoft has witnessed the success of cross-platform releases like Sea of Thieves. Additionally, the upcoming release of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on PS5 after a period of exclusivity on Xbox Series X|S indicates a shift towards broader accessibility for Microsoft titles.
While the potential for porting Halo games to PlayStation 5 is significant, the decision to switch to Unreal Engine 5 is rooted in more practical reasons. The widespread adoption of Unreal Engine 5 within the gaming industry means there is a larger pool of skilled programmers familiar with the engine. This will facilitate a smoother onboarding process for new developers joining Halo Studios, ensuring a more efficient and streamlined development pipeline.
As fans eagerly anticipate the next installment in the Halo franchise, speculations arise about potential release dates and celebrations. With the 25th anniversary of Halo: Combat Evolved approaching in two years, Microsoft has hinted at plans to mark the occasion in 2026, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the original Xbox. While details about a new Halo game remain scarce, the milestone anniversaries present exciting possibilities for the future of the iconic series.