Xbox Veteran Advocates for Hiring Talented Developers to Shape Halo’s Future

Following a significant strategic shift at a major company, particularly one marked by widespread layoffs, it seems like everyone is eager to share their insights on LinkedIn. However, Frank O’Connor stands out from the crowd. With nearly two decades at Xbox, much of which was dedicated to the Halo franchise, he left his role as creative director in 2023. So, when this industry veteran recently shared his thoughts on the pivotal moment facing the sci-fi shooter, people listened.

In a comment on another post, he outlined three potential directions for Activision regarding the series:

1. Develop a “classic” Halo experience that focuses on core gameplay elements, designed to resonate with dedicated fans while also appealing to a wider audience, ultimately enhancing multiplayer engagement.

2. Create something innovative that reinvents the game and universe in an unexpected yet exciting manner. This could be a fresh take on the FPS genre or even an action RPG, distinguished by a compelling narrative and effective use of the IP, leveraging initial curiosity and loyalty.

3. Adapt the Halo IP and its sandbox elements to fit Activision’s established comfort zone. This would involve utilizing proven player progression and business models to craft a major annual or semi-annual event with ongoing content.

O’Connor acknowledged that none of these paths would be straightforward or guaranteed to succeed. However, he offered some straightforward advice: Microsoft should avoid tying the next Halo game to the Xbox hardware or service cycles and should maintain the franchise’s traditional sandbox features. Additionally, he suggested that Activision consider hiring from the pool of recently laid-off talent, including those from Bungie and Halo Studios.

The recent layoffs at Bungie have left many experienced developers without positions, and Halo Studios has also seen significant reductions during Xbox’s restructuring. There’s a wealth of talent available from the broader industry, given the ongoing trend of layoffs.

As for Activision, it has yet to reveal its plans for Halo’s future or how it intends to assemble a new team to lead the franchise. It seems unlikely that they will rehire those they recently let go, and many of those individuals might hesitate to return after the recent upheaval.