Halo Infinite multiplayer lead leaves 343 Industries
Halo Infinite lead multiplayer designer Andrew Witts has parted with the studio.
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Halo Infinitelead multiplayer designer, Andrew Witts, has left developer 343 Industries, marking the latest high-profile departure from Microsoft’s Redmond-based studio. Responsible for Halo Infinite’s fundamental modes and systems, Witts spent over three years at the company, working alongside multiplayer creative director Tom French on its latest free-to-play offerings.
The news follows Halo Infinite’s multiplayerlaunch last November, which saw the release of its initial free-to-play offerings, which serve as a platform “for the next ten years for Halo.” That included a critically acclaimed foundation for its multiplayer, providing a modern spin on classic Halo gameplay. In January, the game had already seen over20 million players, spanning Xbox consoles and Windows PCs.
Witts announced his departure on Twitter, stating it’s been an “honor” leading the multiplayer design team for Halo Infinite. It currently remains unclear who will assume the role, heading Halo Infinite multiplayer design, following Witt’s departure.
Today was my last day at 343 Industries. It’s been an honor leading the MP design team over these years. Thank you to all@Halofans for your feedback over the years. We made this game for you.Going to take some time off to relax and recharge but I’m excited what’s next!pic.twitter.com/3uXaKIP28gToday was my last day at 343 Industries. It’s been an honor leading the MP design team over these years. Thank you to all@Halofans for your feedback over the years. We made this game for you.Going to take some time off to relax and recharge but I’m excited what’s next!pic.twitter.com/3uXaKIP28g— Andrew Witts (@RevivedAntihero)March 5, 2022March 5, 2022
Halo Infinite has seen continued high-profile departures over the years, even cycling between multiple directors over half a decade on the project. Former 343 Industries studio head, Chris Lee, parted with the project in late 2020, following the departure of former creative director Tim Longo and lead producer Mary Olson in 2019. Former Bungie director, Joseph Staten, continues to lead up Halo Infinite as creative head on the project.
Halo Infinite soon receives its second season of content, with variousnew additions announcedfor the title.Halo Infinite Season 2, Lone Wolves, includes two multiplayer maps, three modes, and new customization offerings, now slated to launch on May 3, 2022.
It comes as Halo Infinite playersvoiced frustration over a lack of communicationfrom developer 343 Industries, with scarce post-launch content updates seeing its population on the decline. Content aside, the game has also facedgame-breaking technical issues, plusrampant cheating, significantly impacting those on PC. Season 2 represents the next opportunity to change the tone for what the studio hopes serves as a future platform for Halo.
Halo Infinite’s campaign promises fans the most expansive single-player Halo experience to date, featuring a dynamic open world brimming with stories to uncover and hours of shooter action. Coupled with a robust multiplayer suite, it’s a modern masterpiece that’s familiar, yet fresh, in all the right ways.
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Matt Brown was formerly a Windows Central’s Senior Editor, Xbox & PC, at Future. Following over seven years of professional consumer technology and gaming coverage, he’s focused on the world of Microsoft’s gaming efforts. You can follow him on Twitter@mattjbrown.
