Former Halo lead suggests three ways Activision could revive the series
Former Halo franchise director Frank O'Connor has offered guidance for Activision as the publisher prepares to assemble a "purpose-built team" for the next installment. In a recent LinkedIn post, O'Connor outlined three potential paths for the series, while cautioning that none are easy or guaranteed to succeed.
The first path involves creating a "classic" Halo experience. This would focus on the series' signature heavy movement and chaotic sandbox mechanics, scaled to attract both core fans and a broader audience. O'Connor noted that a larger player base is mathematically essential for the health of Halo's multiplayer component.
The second option suggests a fundamental reinvention of the franchise. This could involve a complete overhaul of the universe, potentially shifting the genre toward an action RPG or a completely new take on the FPS format. While such a move could spark interest through curiosity or brand loyalty, it carries the risk of alienating fans who prefer the established lore.
The third strategy involves bringing the Call of Duty formula to Halo. This would mean applying Activision's proven business models and player progression systems to the Halo IP, potentially resulting in a cycle of large, annual or semi-annual releases supported by constant content updates.
Beyond these strategic directions, O'Connor provided two additional recommendations. He urged Activision to hire talented developers recently laid off from Bungie, Halo Studios, and other studios. Additionally, he advised against tying the next release to specific hardware or service launch cycles, and warned against forcing the game onto aging platforms, citing the limitations seen with the Xbox One version of Halo Infinite.
As of now, Activision's vision for the franchise remains in the early stages. The publisher has yet to assemble the dedicated team required for the project, suggesting that a new Halo title is likely several years away.