Related Links | Life after Halo 3
As blockbuster videogames go, the Halo series knows few equals. Usually it’s the big name games that make endless sequels a bankable certainty. So the fact that Halo 3 concludes a trilogy is surprising. We sat down with Shane Kim,corporate vice president of Microsoft Game Studios, to learn if this really is the end for Master Chief.
“Let's make no mistake: there will not be any big cliff hanger leaving players on edge at the end of Halo 3,” Kim began. “This really is the end of this particular story within the Halo universe. Bungie has crafted not only one of the most successful videogames of all time, but also one of the most successful cultural phenomenons of all time. I see the release of Halo 3 as comparable to the last Star Wars movie of the final Harry Potter book. It really is that big.” But with fans anticipation reaching fever pitch doesn’t this seem like a bad time to end it all? “Well, you know there are more stories to be told from this universe. As you know, Bungie is working closely with Lord of the Rings’ film maker Peter Jackson on some new titles which exist within the mythology. With Halo Wars approaching and the Halo film which we are currently investigating we’ve certainly not seen the end of this world. In terms of shooters, I’m not saying there won’t be more FPS titles linked to Halo in the future but we just honestly don’t know what the that future looks like at this time.” So a Halo film is still gearing up for production then? “We do have cinematic aspirations but we are completely aware that the vast majority of games that venture down this avenue are critically panned. Microsoft certainly doesn't need to make a quick $5 Million for a quick release movie so we will make absolutely sure that when we move forward on the film it will be the right script, the right team and the right story which all to add to the Halo universe, not take from it. Bungie take very tight control over the products it releases in different media and works only with people who are the top of their sector. At the moment it's all about finding the right partner who shares a vision for this world. We certainly won't prostitute the Halo brand.” As the trilogy prepares for its conclusion and Microsoft investigate the future for this world, we wonder if there are any new videogames which Kim believes could be the next Halo in terms of worldwide success? “One of the things I'm most proud of is the fact that Microsoft is continually developing new videogame properties. I believe games like Lost Odyssey, Mass Effect and Alan Wake all have the chance of connecting with consumers in an incredible way. Hopefully we will find a lot of success with these titles in the same way that Halo has.” |
