Halo’s new steward Activision reportedly considering rebooting the series, with a team in Sledgehammer Games leading the charge
Microsoft has handed development of its next Halo game to Activision, where a dedicated team at Sledgehammer Games separate from Call of Duty operations has been established to lead the franchise forward. According to sources speaking with insider Rebs Gaming, Activision is reportedly considering a complete reboot of the series—a major strategic shift that would provide a clean slate for the beloved sci-fi shooter.
The proposed reboot represents a significant departure from Halo’s current direction, moving away from the complex lore accumulated over 25 years through numerous games and extended media. A potential focus on exploring Master Chief’s origins has been mentioned as part of the creative direction. Sledgehammer Games has presented conceptual prototypes for two games: a free-to-play multiplayer title and a story-driven campaign, both built using the Infinity Ward engine.
While the project remains in early conceptual stages with no concrete details confirmed, the initiative underscores Activision’s ambitions to revitalize one of Xbox’s most iconic franchises. The establishment of a purpose-built team distinct from Call of Duty development suggests Microsoft and Activision are treating Halo as a major priority requiring dedicated resources. However, sources emphasize that nothing is finalized, and the scope, timeline, and exact direction of the reboot remain subject to change as development progresses.