5. The New Developer
When Bungie left in 2007, Microsoft Game Studios gave 343 Industries (343i) the task to oversee the development of future Halo projects. Many fans feared that without Bungies involvement, the Halo franchise would be doomed. What many fans dont know is that some of Bungie staff members transferred to 343i. While Bungie was finishing Halo: Reach, 343i was working on its first project, Halo Waypoint. Waypoint is an application that tracks achievements and scores for all the Halo games as well as provides news and updates about all things Halo. Waypoint is a beautifully crafted and well-made downloadable application that is available on Xbox 360 as well as Android and iOS. The first real test of 343is ability came when they were asked to make an HD remake of the game that started it all, Halo: Combat Evolved. Combat Evolved Anniversary was developed by Saber Interactive and overseen by 343i. It was released on the ten-year anniversary of the former game of the year. The game included additional in game content, as well as significantly upgraded graphics. The game was a great homage to the classic shooter that jump-started the Halo franchise. For the first time, a company other than Bungie was making Halo, and they were doing surprisingly well.