Predictions for E3: Halo
With E3 right around the corner, I feel the need to express what I believe is a huge opportunity for Microsft and 343Industries. This opportunity could send Xbox One sales skyrocketing this coming Fall. Without further ado, I give you my prediction, mainly dealing with exclusive games.
With the launch of the newest generation of consoles this past Fall, Sony beat out Microsoft with more games, more exclusives, and better announcement timing ( last year's E3 anyone?). Sony launched the PS4 with a new wave of exclusives, a majority of which came from previous hits, while Microsoft lead with new series and a few returning titles. Why is this important? It means this Fall and next Spring a new wave of classics can erupt out of Microsoft and the Xbox exclusives. New games, and the next games in major series that did not launch a new title this last Fall. Sony can only respond by launching new series, but very few on on the docket this fall.
Now, concerning Halo at E3 this year. I expect a repeat of 2011. Two Halo games will be announced. One for this Fall, and the other for the Fall of 2015. I believe Halo 2 Anniversary will be released this Fall, and Halo 5 will be announced for 2015. A new wave of Halo stuff will also be announced (Trading cards?https://blogs.halowaypoint.com/en-us/blogs/headlines/posts/the-halo-bulletin-4-23-14 ) Although there may be a possible Halo Wars 2 (doubtful until after Halo 5), I think Halo 2A has a greater appeal to the older Halo fans and community. Now, why this big announcement? Microsoft took a beating with the Xbox One launch, and need to get back into the game. This next title wave is just what Microsoft needs to get back into the console battle.
I expect the odd silence from 343Industries these last few months is on purpose. They are hinting at the next big launch. They want to develop on their own, but may want to get the true community to start giving them a perspective of what we the fans want in future games. Whenever a new halo game is announced, or close to launch, thousands get on the bandwagon and spout off their random ideas. This waters-down the effectiveness of how much the community has a say in the game. The community needs to act now and start discussing now, before thousands of people who hardly play the game jump on and shift the game in the wrong direction. 343Industries took very little input from the community with Halo 4, and changed things in weird ways to conform to a small section of players who were not faithful to the franchise. 343Industries needs to get back tot he core Halo roots and with it, the community.
Our task for the community is pretty straightforward right now. Gather your friends, discuss what we want, and share with others. Support the big ideas which you like. Start now, and start discussing! For more inspiration, please read, "I Still Believe" : http://343i.org/1u2