Halo Infinite is about to get some help, as Halo vet Joseph Staten returns to assist. The former Bungie director of cinematics is now its project lead.
Halo Infinite had a rough patch recently, delaying the game’s release to 2021. The game will miss the Xbox Series X launch these holidays, and it needs a ton of polish. These issues are the reason that 343 Industries added back Staten into the fray.
Staten helped shape the Halo universe
Joseph Staten is legendary within the general Halo community. Staten is among the people who shaped the Halo universe. He was the director of cinematics for the first three mainline titles, among other roles.
In 2014, Staten came to Microsoft Studios, leaving Bungie after becoming Destiny’s story director. While in Microsoft, he helped in many of the studio’s first-party titles as a senior creative director. Some of the titles he helped put to life include Quantum Break, Killer Instinct, and ReCore.
Now, Staten is back with 343 Industries for the time being to get Infinite “back on track.” The Halo Waypoint site noted that Staten is helping, together with another vet. The other guy coming with Staten is Pierre Hintze, MCC’s Head of Publishing.
Hintze is joining, as he and his team “have demonstrated an amazing ability to deliver new content, an excellent flighting program, and substantive updates across MCC over the past year.”
Staten helped launch drama adventure game Tell Me Why this week too. While his role will be temporary, it will have a strong impact on the team. He won’t replace anyone on the team, but rather support the existing team.
Staten will help as product lead
Halo Infinite can use the talents that Joseph Staten can bring to the table. The Halo Waypoint blog acknowledges the help that Staten and Hintze can give in streamlining their process.
“If you enjoy Halo’s storylines, characters, and overall universe, he’s definitely one of the key people you have to thank,” says the post. “As product lead on Halo Infinite, however, Joseph will be focused on supporting the campaign team’s existing, talented, creative leaders and ensuring they have everything they need to create an awesome Halo game.”
Apart from adding Staten, the blog post also quashed rumors about moving Infinite’s release to 2022. They’re asking fans to trust only official channels for such news.
“Over the past two weeks we’ve seen the internet fabricate numerous stories and fake ‘leaks’ that have made people, including me, scratch their heads,” says the blog. “From rumors of dropping support for the Xbox One to releasing the game in 2022, there seem to be new headlines popping up every day. As we get closer to sharing more and more news, please only trust statements that are made by official Halo channels, members of our studio leadership, or members of the Community Team.”
Halo Infinite is a much-awaited title that people want to get their hands as soon as possible. Fans are hopeful that Staten and the team can finish the game in its best form.
Featured image courtesy of Xbox/YouTube Screenshot