Halo’s Latest Rebranding Starts Making Sense Once You Realize It Has Been Phil Spencer’s End Game All This Time

Many Xbox fans are finding it difficult to understand the direction Microsoft Gaming is heading in under Phil Spencer’s guidance. The company made many decisions like shutting down some studios, sharing Xbox exclusives with Sony, and even increasing the price of the Xbox Game Pass but Spencer has a major franchise up his sleeve that he will soon use to revive Xbox.

Undoubtedly, the Halo series played a key role in popularising Xbox consoles. The Halo franchise is Microsoft’s most prized possession and now, they plan to take things forward. The last game in the Halo series, Halo Infinite, was released in 2021 and was developed by 343 Industries. Spencer has now confirmed that 343 Industries is ready to take over and start developing the next game in the franchise.

Phil Spencer Says Halo Franchise Is One of Microsoft’s Success Criteria

In a recent interview with OXM UK, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, Phil Spencer, explained how special the Halo franchise is to Microsoft. Spencer explained that the franchise will always be one of Microsoft’s success criteria,

If we lose our way with Halo, we lose our way with Xbox, because Halo and the importance of games like CoD and other shooters, that state of the art needs to continue to move forward, and our team at 343 need to move forward with that. That’s always going to be one of our success criteria.

Judging by his statement, it seems like Spencer has a lot of trust in 343 Industries and their next installment. The pressure is high as Microsoft has made some controversial decisions lately that did not sit well with the fans, but Spencer is sure that the Halo franchise will turn things around.

343 Industries Is Ready To Work On The Next Halo Game

Further in the interview, Spencer added that 343 Industries has spent a lot of time to form a deeper understanding of the franchise. Now, the studio is eager to work on the next installment,

The good thing about 343 is that they’ve had the time, through the dev of Reach, working on getting the map packs out, and getting to know the infrastructure and the build systems and everything about Halo – They’ve also brought in their own talent and their own view so that they can put their own stamp on the franchise.

Spencer has made it clear that 343 Industries is “in a position to take over the franchise without missing a beat.” 343’s last Halo game, Halo Infinite, was overall praised by the community. The next game in the franchise will certainly be a heavy hitter as Microsoft needs a good Halo game to satisfy hardcore Xbox fans.

When do you think fans will get the next Halo game? Share your guesses in the comments!