“I am extremely proud of what everyone at 343 Industries has done with Halo Infinite, The Master Chief Collection, the Halo TV series and more. It has been an honor to serve alongside the team for the past 15 years and to be part of the universe I love,” Ross said on Twitter. With this announcement, 343 Industries’ management will undergo a major facelift, beginning with his aforementioned Hintze taking over the role of studio head. From now on, he will direct the ongoing development of his upcoming projects such as Halo Infinite and The Master Chief Collection.
Bonnie Ross, founder and head of Halo developer 343 Industries, is stepping down. Ross, who worked for the Halo franchise for 15 years, cited health issues in her family as the reason for her retirement. Her publisher, Microsoft, said in a statement to Windows Central that the vacant position will be effectively filled by Pierre Hintze, the current head of production at her 343 Industries. The development follows Halo Infinite delaying all future content, including the long-awaited co-op mode, to her November.
Highlights
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To the dismay of fans, 343 Industries was the first to announce that the long-awaited co-op mode has been postponed to his November 8th. The game mode was originally set for an August release, with a beta testing event also taking place in July. The studio also pushed Halo Infinite’s Forge mode, a map editing and creation tool, to a November date, just in time for a big winter update that adds a free Battle Pass to the mix.
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Microsoft also notified Windows Central that a new role will be added to the studio’s senior leadership team. Bryan Koski, who previously oversaw marketing for Halo, will become his GM of the franchise, and Elizabeth Van Wyck will oversee business and operations. Earlier this month, 343 Industries announced a new roadmap for Halo Infinite, detailing new delays for new content. It remains to be seen if this studio reorganization will push the start date further.
As part of the Halo Infinite roadmap announcement, 343 Industries dropped the promised split-screen mode altogether. It’s traditionally a staple of his Halo games. Season 3’s multiplayer also sees him postponed to March 7, 2023, bringing with him a new map, weapons, and a shroud, a piece of gear that reveals an opaque domed shield to protect your squad.