Leadership atHalo Infinitedeveloper 343 Industries appears to be in flux as another lead member of the development team reportedly departs from the studio. The departure comes just days after co-founder Bonnie Ross announced her own departure from theHalo Infinitedevelopment studio.
A new report by Windows Central reveals David Berger, the lead developer forHalo Infinite’sSlipspace Engine, is leaving 343 Industries. Berger led technical development in the mainlineHaloseries for several years includingHalo 4,Halo 5, andHalo Infinite. Berger also worked on classic Xbox titles such asMechwarriorandToo Human. Although the departure has not been directly confirmed by Microsoft or 343 Industries, sources close to Windows Central claim Berger’s departure is accurate.
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The report of Berger’s departure from 343 Industries comes roughly two days after former boss Bonnie Ross left the company. Ross departed Microsoft after 27 years to attend to family matters at home, and 15 years of her tenure at the company focused on leading efforts for theHalofranchise. The staff departures come two weeks after 343 Industries announced itsupdatedHalo Infiniteroadmap, which includes the cancellation of the local split-screen feature for campaign co-op. As a result, some of theHalocommunity has been criticizing Microsoft and 343 Industries for its lack of direction and slow pace of development forHalo Infinite.
Following thedeparture of Bonnie Ross from 343 Industries, three new leadership positions were created according to Windows Central. 343 Industries is restructuring with Pierre Hintze as the new studio head, Elizabeth Van Wyck leading business and operations, and Bryan Koski taking over as general manager of theHalofranchise. The restructuring could have resulted in the departure of Berger, but Microsoft has not directly confirmed anything regarding theHalo Infinitetechnical developer yet.
Halo Infinite’scurrent state reflects 343 Industriesand its struggles to compete in the live-service space. Although the game launched to critical acclaim,Halo Infinite’splayer base continues to dwindle due to a lack of content and consistent updates. Matured free-to-play shooters such asFortniteandCall of Duty: Warzonecontinue to provide updates and content at a steady pace, which promotes growth and encourages both player bases to come back for more.
The restructuring at 343 Industries could affect its newHalo Infiniteroadmap for the winter update and Season 3. The winter update is expected to add the highly anticipated Forge Beta, but thecancellation ofHalo Infinitesplit-screen co-opbecame a glaring problem for many active players and fans online.
Halo Infiniteis currently available now for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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