In a recent blog post, 343 Industries has unveiled a string of changes to the company’s creative team — all the while teasing the first glimpse of Halo 5 on Xbox One. The Microsoft-owned studio, which has worked on titles such as Halo 4 and Halo: Reach, has appointed former LucasArts alumnus Tim Longo as creative director, allowing Josh Holmes to shift to executive producer.
Having contributed to notable releases such as Star Wars: Republic Commando and last year’s Tomb Raider reboot, Longo was recruited by 343 Industries back in May, where his creative vision is now focused on a next-gen Halo title. This news also marks the departure of art director Kenneth Scott, who was one of the founding members of the studio, who will now operate as a visual design consultant for the company.
“It was hard to make this decision,” said Scott. “This team has been my family for half a decade and I love them dearly. Helping build this studio and team is easily the highlight of my career. It’s heartbreaking.”
The announcement, which you can read in full via Halo Waypoint, provides our first visual inkling of Halo 5. The image itself is said to be taken from Sparth, an all-new galactic location that will feature prominently in the imminent project. What’s more, we understand that the next iteration of the sci-fi universe is due in 2014, after the franchise’s senior PR manager, Rob Semsey, confirmed the release window through Twitter. Alas, it’s still unclear at this time how the next chapter in the Halo series will be branded.
Either way, what do you think of the newly-released concept art for Halo 5? Are you excited to see which direction the reshuffled 343 Industries take the franchise? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.