A new Halo game announcement might be on the horizon, according to speculation from an industry insider. While unconfirmed, recent activity from Xbox and Halo Studios suggests an announcement could come this year, with a possible release in 2026 or later.
In October 2024, 343 Industries rebranded as Halo Studios, reaffirming its dedication to the Halo franchise. The studio revealed it would transition from the Slipspace Engine, used for Halo Infinite, to Unreal Engine 5 for all future projects. This change aims to improve development efficiency and content delivery, addressing criticisms of the Slipspace Engine’s complexity and slow production cycles.
A new LinkedIn post by Xbox Playtest Manager Susan Bunch has added fuel to the rumors. She referenced playtesting maps in production for Unreal Engine 5 projects, raising speculation about what Halo Studios might be working on. Industry insider Rebs Gaming noted that such activity could indicate progress on a smaller-scale Halo Game project.
The Future of Halo Studios
Unreal Engine 5’s adoption may enable Halo Studios to develop titles faster and provide richer multiplayer content. This shift could also allow the team to explore spin-offs or standalone expansions, potentially laying the groundwork for a larger Halo game in the future.
Rumors of a Halo: Combat Evolved remake persist, adding another layer of excitement for fans. While unconfirmed, this project could serve as a nostalgic experience while Halo Studios continues building its next flagship entry.
When to Expect an Announcement
The upcoming Xbox Developer Direct on January 23 is unlikely to feature a Halo Game reveal, as it is focused on other projects. However, the annual Xbox Summer Game Fest in June could be a prime opportunity to unveil new Halo plans. With Halo Studios’ renewed focus and fresh development tools, fans may not have to wait long for the franchise’s next chapter.
