Glenn Israel, a 17-year veteran of Halo recreation improvement, introduced his exit from the sequence by a shocking message that left followers frightened about the way forward for Xbox’s flagship shooter franchise.
Initially an artist at Bungie, Israel ended up working as an artwork director at 343 Studios (now Halo Studios), the place he contributed to an extended record of Halo tasks, from 2009’s Halo 3: ODST to Halo: Attain, Halo 4, Halo 5, and Halo: Infinite.
However now, Israel has introduced by a submit on LinkedIn that he’s “formally now not contributing to the Halo universe,” updating his profile to point that he left the Halo studio this month.
“As of immediately, after 17 lengthy years, I’ve not formally contributed to the Halo universe,” Israel wrote. “There’s nothing extra I can say right now, however I’ll share this specific story in full subsequent yr when it’s completely secure. Within the meantime, I’ve a message for everybody who wants to listen to it.”
“I do know the state of affairs in our business appears dire, however always remember that you’ve got the liberty to decide on. No phantasm of safety, no promise of wealth, fame or energy is value buying and selling in on your well being, dignity, ethics or values. And nobody can power you to take action. Be sturdy, take proof if crucial, and discover your house.”
Evidently, Israel’s assertion triggered concern and confusion amongst Halo followers, as the way forward for Microsoft’s once-iconic sequence is unsure.
Microsoft video games chief Phil Spencer has beforehand hinted {that a} new Halo mission will start in 2026, which may imply Beforehand reported Halo: Fight Developed Remastered The sequence may also be launched on PlayStation for the primary time.
Since first revealing the sequence’ transfer to Unreal Engine 5 precisely one yr in the past, followers have been excited by Halo Studio’s assertion that it’s going to “share extra about what we have been engaged on,” with a giant announcement anticipated later this month.
However with all this in thoughts, followers say the timing of Israel’s withdrawal now seems to be notably ominous. It comes on the verge of Halo Studios revealing its plans for the way forward for the franchise, and simply weeks after the quiet departure of Halo Studios chief of employees Melissa Boone.
In the meantime, Israel’s public assertion could not have come at a worse time for Microsoft, which has suffered a tumultuous yr that included layoffs and rising fan dissatisfaction with worth hikes. Maybe much more worrying is the developer’s assertion that it’s going to share a extra detailed account at a later date.
videogameaddicted has reached out to Microsoft for remark.
Tom Phillips is videogameaddicted’s information editor. You possibly can contact Tom at tom_phillips@videogameaddicted.com or discover him on Bluesky. @tomphillipseg.bsky.social