Summary
More so than ever before, theHalofranchise could do with a bit of variety. It’s been almost three years sinceHalo Infinitecame out, and in that time players have largely been playing through the same set of maps and modes over and over again, with 343 Industries really taking its time to release new content. Many of those who have stuck around withHalo Infinitefor the long haul are feeling a little tired of the same old scenery and gameplay, so it’s about timetheHalofranchisegot a little more experimental.
Despite being one of the biggest gaming franchises around,Halohas only received a handful of spinoffs over the years, and only a few are considered genuinely good games. But apparently, this low number of spinoffs isn’t for a lack of trying. Very recently, a former lead designer at 343 Industries took to Twitter to tease a few pastHalopitches, and there’s one rejected pitch that deserves another shot, especially in the wake ofHelldivers 2.
Helldivers 2 Could Revive Halo’s Rejected ODST Game
Halo’s Helldivers-Like ODST Pitch Explained
A former343 Industries lead designer, Kevin Schmitt, took to social media about a week ago to shed a bit of light on some of the developer’s many rejectedHalopitches over the years. In a fairly vague but surprisingly insightful X post, Schmitt stated that 343 “pitched 20-30 game ideas over the 12 years [he] was there,” including “Many SP & MP ODST themed ones.”
While this post alone doesn’t mention aHelldivers-themedHalopitch, it was made in response to a thread made by The Photoshop Guy, who initially stated, “Just learned that some ex 343 devs pitched an ODST game that was almost exactly like Helldivers.” With that in mind, Schmitt’s direct reference toHalo’s fan-favorite Orbital Drop Shock Troopers, and a further line about a “galaxy-spanning” pitch, it seems fairly safe to say that at some point, aHelldivers-themedHalogame was pitched by 343 Industries, and it’s a pitch that 343 should consider resurrecting.
Helldivers 2’s Formula Would Fit Halo’s Universe Perfectly
While Sony’s marketing campaign ensured that its name was well-known in the lead-up to release,Helldivers 2’s immense success is still something of a surprise. A third-person multiplayer sequel to a 2015 PS Vita and PS4 top-down shooter,Helldivers 2has sold around three million copiesin its first three weeks, which is an incredibly impressive feat. A live-service gameplay loop that revolves around players trying to defend and take back the galaxy from various sci-fi threats,Helldivers 2has managed to strike gold, offering excellent combat mechanics, superb multiplayer integration, and a core live-service loop that keeps players wanting more.
Naturally, where there’s success in the gaming world, there are others who want to copy it, and while there are plenty of video game franchises that could successfully adoptHelldivers 2’s formula,Halowould be an obvious first pick, especially considering 343 Industries' past pitch.Helldivers 2’s formula would fitHalolike a glove, with players taking on the role of an ODST as they’re deployed across the galaxy against overwhelming Covenant odds. Though it may not be able to translate the satirical, tongue-in-cheek humor, aHelldivers-likeHalospinoff would be able to capture the same melodramatic moments of war that are currently flooding Twitter and TikTok.
Halo Infinite
WHERE TO PLAY
When all hope is lost and humanity’s fate hangs in the balance, the Master Chief is ready to confront the most ruthless foe he’s ever faced. Step inside the armor of humanity’s greatest hero to experience an epic open-world adventure and explore the massive scale of the Halo ring.With Network Campaign Co-Op and Mission Replay, you can relive your favorite moments, rediscover collectibles and explore the wonders of Zeta Halo on your own or with up to three other fireteam members.Experience Halo’s celebrated multiplayer reimagined and free-to-play! With over 70 maps in matchmaking, billions of customization configurations, and countless community Forge creations to experience, Halo Infinite is the franchise’s most expansive multiplayer offering to date.Enjoy an unprecedented variety of gameplay experiences, ranging from fast-paced intense ranked modes to whimsical mayhem in Custom Games, or even co-operative coordination in the wave-based survival mode Firefight: King of the Hill. Assemble your Fireteam and conquer every mode – Halo offers endless opportunities for teamwork, strategy, and unforgettable victories.
