Frank O’Connor has offered a perspective on Halo’s next chapter after nearly two decades at Xbox. He spent much of that time working on the science-fiction shooter before leaving his role as the franchise’s creative director in 2023.
O’Connor shared his view of the situation in a LinkedIn comment, outlining three directions Activision could consider for the series. The discussion has also been reported by IGN.
Three possible directions for Halo
- Return to the classic formula: Build a movement-focused sandbox shooter aimed first at the core audience, while making it accessible enough to attract new players. A larger multiplayer population would also benefit the experience.
- Reinvent the universe: Create a modern action or sandbox game that takes Halo in a surprising new direction. O’Connor suggested this could involve a fresh interpretation of the first-person shooter or perhaps an action RPG, supported by a strong story and meaningful use of the existing intellectual property.
- Adopt Activision’s established model: Bring Halo into a structure built around familiar player progression and business systems, with a major annual or semi-annual release supported by a steady stream of content.
He stressed that all three approaches would be difficult and that none could guarantee success. His additional recommendations were more direct: Microsoft should avoid tying the next Halo too closely to the Xbox hardware and services timetable, while retaining the series’ defining sandbox gameplay.
O’Connor also encouraged Activision to recruit experienced developers affected by recent layoffs, specifically mentioning talent from Bungie and Halo Studios. That advice reflects a wider issue across the games business, where skilled teams have been reduced or dispersed after repeated rounds of cuts.
A franchise searching for its next team
Bungie’s latest downsizing included veteran developers who were either laid off or chose to leave. Halo Studios has also reportedly been heavily reduced during the latest phase of Xbox’s strategic reset, adding to the large pool of experienced developers now available across the industry.
Activision has not provided many details about its plans for Halo or explained how the next development team will be assembled. It is also uncertain whether people recently let go by the company would want to return after the circumstances surrounding their departure.
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