After a lengthy wait, fans of Halo can finally learn the official name of The Weapon, the AI tasked with replacing Cortana in Halo Infinite. Designed as a replica of Master Chief’s previous companion, The Weapon has been known by her alias until now.
During the recent Halo World Championship, Jen Taylor, the voice behind both Cortana and The Weapon, read excerpts from the upcoming novel Halo: Edge of Dawn by Kelly Gay, alongside Steve Downes, who has portrayed Master Chief for many years. This reading confirmed the AI’s true identity: “I am UNSC AI serial number CN0435-0, name designation Joyeuse.” If you’re uncertain about the pronunciation, it’s ‘joy-oose.’ The audience applauded, marking a moment fans have been eager for since 2021. Joyeuse refers to a sword carried by Charlemagne, the Carolingian Emperor who wielded significant influence in Europe during the 8th century. While it may appear as an obscure reference, it continues a legacy that dates back to Bungie’s early days, even before the Covenant narrative began.
Exciting Developments in the Halo Franchise
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Furthermore, Halo: Campaign Evolved is set for release, which raises the question: does this Unreal Engine 5 remake offer a fresh take on Combat Evolved, or is it a “chance to set the stage for Halo’s future”?
Mark your calendars: “This is Halo for everyone.” Halo: Campaign Evolved will be available on PC, Xbox, and PS5 next year, featuring a new three-mission prequel arc and cooperative gameplay for four players.
The Legacy of AI in Halo
The unveiling of The Weapon’s name at HCS Worlds 2025 signifies a fascinating connection to the AI narrative in the Halo universe. Bungie’s classic game, Marathon, released in 1994, featured an AI named Durandal, linked to a figure from French history—Roland, a paladin associated with Charlemagne. In a similar vein, Cortana is named after Ogier, another legendary French paladin. Charlemagne clearly has remained an important reference point, despite Halo Studios (formerly 343 Industries) taking the reins of the mainline titles from Bungie some time ago.
Although the name reveal is exciting, the implications on gameplay remain uncertain. Several Halo projects are currently under development, including Halo: Campaign Evolved, a comprehensive remake of the inaugural game using Unreal Engine 5, slated for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC next year. Future installments are anticipated to be multi-platform as well. When Halo 7 finally arrives, fans are sure to remember the name Joyeuse until it’s fully integrated into the canon.
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