Since the launch ofHalo: Combat Evolvedin 2001, theHalofranchise has been expanded through numerous games and other forms of media, including a live-action television series for Paramount+. Players have sunk several hours into the story of the UNSC’s battle with the Covenant, and judging by 343 Industries’plans forHalo Infinitein 2022, it doesn’t seem that the series will be slowing down anytime soon.
Halowas originally developed by Bungie, the studio that went on to develop theDestinyseries for Activision. However, following Bungie’s departure from Microsoftfollowing the release ofHalo 3, Halo 3: ODST,andHalo: Reach,Microsoft formed 343 Industries to continue the series. This lead to the release ofHalo 4, Halo 5: Guardians, and the recently releasedHalo Infinite.343 also developed remasters of previous Halo games, such asCombat Evolved AnniversaryandThe Master Chief Collection.
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Players have managed to put the same amount of time into these new titles as the original versions developed by Bungie, and it seems some have even gotten a little creative with how they do so. On Reddit’s r/Halo, user Half_Smashed_Face stated that they put an exact amount of hours into each game from theThe Master Chief Collectionto receive a specifically numbered playtime.
The noted play time of 117 hours is a direct reference toHalo’smain protagonist Master Chief, or as his full rank in the UNSC denotes him, Master Chief Petty Officer John 117. Master Chief is one of the many super soldiers referred to as “Spartans” in the series, known for their towering stature and their combat prowess, raised and trained since childhood to fight for the UNSC against the Covenant.
This is a fun and cheeky nod to a character many have considered one of the most iconic in all of video games, recognizable for his green-colored armor and helmet as well as Steve Downes’ Eastwood-esque performance. Master Chief has become so popular that he has crossed over into other games, such as the Xbox One version ofSuper Bomberman Randas a player skin inFortnite.
While the success ofHalois not without its detractors, it is hard not to see the popularity of the series continuing to flourish, as fan tributes like this playtime screenshot and a recentfan-made character skin forOverwatchare great examples of this. As the series continues to grow, there will surely be more references like these in the future.
Halo Infiniteis now available on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
