Former Halo Franchise Lead Recommends Activision Rehire Bungie and Halo Studios Talent for Next Installment
Frank O’Connor outlines strategic directions for the next Halo game under Activision, emphasizing the importance of experienced developers and lessons learned from previous releases.
With Activision set to helm development for the next Halo installment and introduce an all-new team, Frank O’Connor—the longtime steward of Halo’s creative direction—has stepped forward to share his perspective on guiding the franchise’s future. O’Connor, who began work with Halo at Bungie in the early 2000s and later led its development at 343 Industries, exited Halo Studios in 2023, coinciding with the so-called Xbox “reset.”
Three Potential Directions for Halo
On LinkedIn, O’Connor discussed three main strategies that Activision could consider as it reimagines the Halo series. He stressed that each route comes with challenges, and none guarantees success, but all present viable ways to reinvigorate the iconic shooter.
One strategy involves reviving the “classic” Halo formula by reinstating the signature slower pace, weighty character movement, and chaotic sandbox gameplay that defined the original games. This approach would cater to devoted fans but would also aim for broader appeal to reach new players. According to O’Connor, increasing player numbers would enhance multiplayer and help the series reclaim its status as an industry leader.
An alternative path would see Halo undergo a bold transformation—“a surprising but fantastic” overhaul that could shift it into another genre or radically update its first-person shooter mechanics, such as turning Halo into an action RPG. O’Connor acknowledged that while initial excitement and curiosity could draw people in, such a drastic change would be risky and possibly divisive, particularly since there has already been fan pushback to a full lore reboot.
The third option O’Connor described as the “Call of Halo” model would see the series adopt Activision’s proven Call of Duty-style template, integrating business strategies and progression systems familiar to that franchise. This could mean launching grand, possibly annual or semi-annual installments accompanied by steady content updates—transforming Halo into a series of regular, high-profile releases.
Key Recommendations: Prioritize Veteran Talent and Learn From Past Errors
Besides these proposed strategies, O’Connor provided two primary recommendations. First, he urged Activision to rehire professionals laid off from Bungie, Halo Studios, and related teams. He described these veterans as “bursting with talent and ideas that got nerfed or shut down over the years,” suggesting that bringing them back could be key to future achievements.
Secondly, O’Connor advised avoiding the pitfalls that impacted Halo Infinite. He highlighted the need to keep the upcoming Halo entry independent from “hardware/service launch cycles,” and cautioned against confining the game to outdated consoles, which he believes constrained the most recent release.
Halo’s Next Chapter Remains in Early Development
At present, Activision has yet to put together its dedicated team for the next Halo title, so the project remains in its initial phases. As a result, fans may have to wait several years to see which of these potential strategies comes to fruition. In the meantime, O’Connor’s suggestions and cautionary advice could play a pivotal role as Activision attempts to rejuvenate the franchise following a period of upheaval and several failed relaunches for Master Chief and the greater Halo universe.