Xbox Shifts Focus from Halo and Gears as More Games Emerge, Says Spencer

Microsoft has been showcasing the future of Xbox with tantalizing trailers and gameplay for titles such as Starfield, Avowed, and Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II. While these games have been warmly received, some fans have remarked on the absence of traditional Xbox flagship franchises like Gears and Halo. In a recent interview with The Guardian, Xbox boss Phil Spencer hinted that we might see less of these series moving forward, as the company now has a broader range of titles under its belt.

Spencer explained that while Halo is still an important franchise for Xbox, the company now has over 20 studios working on various projects. He compared the current situation to the past when Xbox primarily relied on four games – Fable, Forza, Gears, and Halo – which he referred to as the "four horsemen of the apocalypse." With a larger selection of games now available, Xbox need not rely as heavily on these long-standing franchises. This shift in focus comes as no surprise, given the troubled development of 2021's Halo Infinite and its live-service support falling short of expectations.

Developer 343 Industries has experienced layoffs and resignations, but Xbox Games Studio boss Matt Booty has faith in the company's ability to continue guiding the Halo series under the leadership of Pierre Hintze – the man who successfully salvaged Halo: The Master Chief Collection. Booty also mentioned intentional restructuring at 343 Industries, as the team that got them this far may not necessarily carry them into the future.

As for when fans can expect a new Halo game, Booty remained evasive, and Spencer vaguely promised "pretty cool things" are on the horizon. He stated they had been open about leadership changes at 343 but did not want to force the team to discuss long-term plans until they were ready. Despite the company's silence, well-sourced rumors indicate Certain Affinity, a Texas-based developer, is working on a large-scale multiplayer Halo experience, potentially in the form of a battle royale or Tarkov-style extraction shooter.

In conclusion, Microsoft seems to be embracing the diversity of games and studios it now has under its umbrella, moving beyond its reliance on traditional franchises like Halo and Gears. While Xbox still values these franchises, the company's increasing focus on a broader range of titles signals an exciting new era for fans and developers alike. As the landscape of gaming continues to evolve, we can look forward to new experiences, stories, and gameplay that push the boundaries of what the Xbox platform can achieve.