According to an article in April's Game Informer magazine, which should be hitting stores this week (subscription folks may have to wait another week or two), Microsoft and Bungie have stated that there will not be a Halo 3 while other interviews with MS folks and Bungie folks alike seem to confirm the story. Bungie employees insist that Halo 3 is not in the works, though they have said that they are working on "future projects."
All of this, along with the title of the article in GI ("Halo 3 Dead?"), could cause panic as the story hits the streets. However, the story continues beyond just the denial of Halo 3. What Bungie is said to be working on is internally called, or is presently codenamed (it's not clear which), Forerunner. For Halo fans everywhere the term rings a bell. Also spied by a source of the article was some on-screen action containing the familiar Master Chief. According to the source, the game is using a modified Halo engine and allows for things to take place on a much larger scale.
It seems as though the next game in the Halo universe may not have anything to do with a Halo ring, and the name could reflect such a change. Literally, there may never be a "Halo" 3, as Bungie might not release a product with that name. It's also an interesting marketing move to switch from an incredibly recognizable intellectual property and create a new name and franchise for the next generation sequel. Will Splinter Cell follow suit and simply release "Double Agent" as it's new next-gen premiere?
The actual announcement of Forerunner (if that is the final name) will be left to Bungie and they'll do it when they're ready. It could be something that is previewed at this year's E3, should they have a trailer or preview available in time. As a Halo fan, the most exciting aspect is the prospect of picking up where Halo 2 left off, with massive battles taking place on Earth. Even the ending of the last campaign makes more sense, if Bungie knew they could make the battle for Earth a more immersive experience on the 360. While nothing is confirmed (as a matter of fact, it's all rumors and speculation at the moment), the size and details from next-gen games like GRAW and CoD2 make most gamers froth at the mouth for the next game set in the Halo universe, regardless of what title it has.
Oh and in case your wondering they state in the article that it is not an April Fools joke.
It seems as though the next game in the Halo universe may not have anything to do with a Halo ring, and the name could reflect such a change. Literally, there may never be a "Halo" 3, as Bungie might not release a product with that name. It's also an interesting marketing move to switch from an incredibly recognizable intellectual property and create a new name and franchise for the next generation sequel. Will Splinter Cell follow suit and simply release "Double Agent" as it's new next-gen premiere?
The actual announcement of Forerunner (if that is the final name) will be left to Bungie and they'll do it when they're ready. It could be something that is previewed at this year's E3, should they have a trailer or preview available in time. As a Halo fan, the most exciting aspect is the prospect of picking up where Halo 2 left off, with massive battles taking place on Earth. Even the ending of the last campaign makes more sense, if Bungie knew they could make the battle for Earth a more immersive experience on the 360. While nothing is confirmed (as a matter of fact, it's all rumors and speculation at the moment), the size and details from next-gen games like GRAW and CoD2 make most gamers froth at the mouth for the next game set in the Halo universe, regardless of what title it has.
Oh and in case your wondering they state in the article that it is not an April Fools joke.
