Kotaku has confirmed this week that Tim Longo, Creative Director for Halo Infinite at 343 Industries, has left the company. The change is part of what Kotaku calls “leadership shakeup” late into the development cycle of the upcoming installment of the Halo series, which will release next year alongside Microsoft’s “Project Scarlett” next-generation console. Tim Longo also served as the Creative Director on Halo 5: Guardians, which released in 2015.
According to Kotaku’s report, sources shared that Longo had changed roles at 343 Industries a few weeks prior to his departure from the company entirely. Kotaku reached out to Microsoft for confirmation and comments and shared their response.
“Roles and responsibilities of various team members regularly evolve to meet the needs of a game, throughout development. We have recently had two changes to the Halo Infinite development team. Our Executive Producer, Mary Olson will now take charge of the Campaign team on Halo Infinite as the Lead Producer, utilizing her many years of experience at 343 to help craft a great campaign for fans,” reads Microsoft’s statement on Longo’s split from 343 Industries.
Microsoft added: “The overall creative vision and production of the game remains led by Chris Lee, Studio Head of Halo Infinite.”
On the matter of what effect the changes in leadership roles will have on Halo Infinite’s development and release schedule, Microsoft remains confident about their end of 2020 release. “We have a world-class team building Halo Infinite and the overwhelming positive response by fans has us energized, more than ever, to create the best Halo game to date, alongside Project Scarlett in holiday 2020. These changes have no impact to the release date for Halo Infinite.”
Halo Infinite will be playable on the upcoming “Project Scarlett” console as well as the Xbox One and PC and is designed to be “spiritual reboot” of the beloved Halo franchise, according to Bonnie Ross, the founder and head of 343 Industries. At E3 2019, the development team revealed a cinematic trailer starring the iconic Master Chief, but no gameplay has been shared of Halo Infinite with the public yet.
343 Industries took over developmental duties of the Halo franchise after Bungie and Microsoft parted ways in 2007. Halo Infinite is the sixth main Halo game and the third entry developed by 343 Industries.