This morning we woke up to the news that the numerous layoffs prepared by Microsoft also affected 343 Industries, which, at the same time, suffered the loss of Joseph Staten, who was returning to work at Xbox Publishing Studios after leading the launch of Halo Infinite and spent nearly two years ensuring the product was the best it could be. Now, Halo Infinite seems to be increasing in content and with its projected modes also released, so 343 Industries won’t need your help. But Staten’s arrival at the studio was for a reason. And maybe a comment from a former member of the study will finish explaining it.
And it is that last year 343 Industries also left 343 Industries, which had been the head of the Halo franchise and a true Microsoft veteran, Bonnie Ross, with an exit that she called a “personal decision “, but that several insiders assured that it was due to the state of the game and a deterioration of the study, due to the difficulties displayed with Halo Infinite. Patrick Wren was the game’s former creative lead for multiplayer and left for Respawn to work on Star Wars Jedi Survivor, but now entrusts studio heads with responsibilities
The layoffs at 343 shouldn’t have happened and Halo Infinite should be in a better state. The reason for both of these things is incompetent leadership at the top during Halo Infinite’s development, which is causing tremendous stress for those working hard to make Halo the best it can be.
—Patrick Wren (@Witdarkstar) January 19, 2023
343 Industries will have to recover from the blow: Halo Infinite begins to see the light
Just a few days ago, we analyzed Halo Infinite to explain why 2023 could be its best year, the last in which it raises its head. This news of the layoffs throws a good jug of cold water on those expectations, but that the previous leadership that Wren is referring to is no longer in the ranks of the study, maybe that will help change that paradigm, because in a later tweet, He also assures that the work of the multiplayer team has been excellent and that he is very proud of it.
In the video game industry, the saying “When the river rings, the water carries away” is rarely relevant. In other words, the proliferation of rumors and insiders ensuring a bad situation for the study or the game has done nothing more than presage the various changes that 343 Industries has undergone. And yes, we can’t deny it Halo Infinite ended up being a great game, but we must also admit that it was not the masterpiece we expected, not even close. Of course, the good thing about this is that the time will eventually benefit you. And of course, the Master Chief has our support.
