Microsoft recently confirmed that Activision is assembling a new team to develop the next "Halo" game. With control of the franchise undergoing a major shift, rumors that the series could receive a full reboot have begun circulating online, sparking fierce debate among fans over where it should go next.
The rumor originated with an online user known as TechnicalHalo, who claimed Activision could abandon the existing universe and storylines to rebuild the "Halo" timeline from scratch. The claim remains unconfirmed, however, and the project's actual direction is still unknown.
Some fans argue that instead of wiping the slate completely clean, Activision should keep Bungie's games—from "Halo: Combat Evolved" through "Halo: Reach"—as canon while reworking everything after "Halo 4."
One player wrote, "I'm against a full reboot, but I wouldn't be too upset if the Bungie era remained canon and everything afterward started over." The player also argued that the stories of "Halo 5: Guardians" and "Halo Infinite" ultimately failed to receive satisfying continuations.
Other fans believe a complete reboot could make it easier for Activision to attract newcomers. After more than 20 years of games, novels and comics, the franchise's extensive lore presents a daunting barrier to entry. The age of Master Chief voice actor Steve Downes has also become part of the conversation, with some players arguing that a recast will eventually be inevitable—and that a full reboot could provide a natural opportunity to give the character a new voice.
Some have even suggested temporarily moving Master Chief out of the spotlight and following the model of "Halo 3: ODST" and "Halo: Reach" by introducing new characters to explore other corners of the universe. That approach could open fresh storytelling territory without erasing the existing canon.
It remains unclear whether any Call of Duty studios will be involved in development, though Sledgehammer Games has previously been rumored to have expressed interest in working with the "Halo" IP. With the project still in its early stages, fans will have to wait for an official announcement to learn whether Activision plans a full reboot, a partial reset or a continuation of the current storyline.
via： IGN