Former Halo QA Tester Blames Microsoft’s Policies For Issues

A former QA at 343 Industries says that Microsoft is directly to blame for the issues that seemed to plague Halo Infinite from the start.

In a response to a YouTube video covering the Halo Infinite campaign, DLC, and more, former QA Briggs William Crane posted a lengthy comment — h/t to MP1st for spotting the message — on his thoughts as to why game struggled. He says it was due to a number of factors, but one of the biggest is Microsoft’s “contracting policies”.

“Microsoft’s contracting policies are single handedly one of the biggest issues that Halo faces,” Crane, who now works at Epic Games, said. “Can you imagine how difficult it is to do your best work knowing that they’ll get rid of you in 18 months and there’s nothing you can do about it? Plus that forces people out the door just as they become fully trained and competent at their positions.”

He then continued that a “significant” number of 343 Industries’ workforce is made up of contracted workers, including the past Master Chief Collection team.

“The self inflicted brain drain is maddening to watch, and it’s (in my opinion) why most Microsoft exclusive titles are seeing a downturn in quality,” he said. “They’ve created a business environment in which the talent they should be trying to cultivate is being pushed out the door and is then nabbed by other studios.”

He added that it felt like it was done so Microsoft can “have the luxury of being able to easily lay off employees” at will.

It’s worth noting that this is one former employee’s thoughts on the state of Microsoft and, more specifically, the Halo franchise. As such, it should be

Insider Gaming has reached out to 343 Industries for comment and will update this article should one be received.

What do you think of Crane’s claims and thoughts one why things have been down with Halo as a franchise? Join the discussion in the official Insider Gaming Forums.

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