The Halo MMORPG That Never Was

Images appear and details unfold about an apparently canceled Halo MMORPG

Earlier this morning, an Ensemble Studios-developed Halo MMORPG has been revealed by Gamasutra. Codenamed “Titan”, a number of prototypes and concept images were created, and work on the MMO reportedly lasted from early 2006 to some indeterminate date in 2007, after which it was supposedly canceled. Prototype images provided by a blogger called “Gone is Gone” showcase many elements that appear to be inspired by genre-dominator World of Warcraft. A character in full Master Chief Spartan armor (sans helmet) brandishes a pair of laser-swords while a “Psionics”-wielding female stands behind him. Judging by images showing possible versions of the game’s user interface, psionics are the game’s term for mana, the energy used to cast magical spells. Several concept images demonstrate a different female character executing a variety of thought-based psionic attacks on a robot. Though the Gone is Gone blogger seems to stress “Titan” was only inspired by Halo, the appearance of the franchise’s trademark Warthog vehicles and even the Halo ring itself solidify this was probably more than simply “inspired by”.

This comes not long after the announcement that Microsoft would be forcibly closing the doors on Ensemble Studios after they complete their work on the real-time strategy game Halo Wars. Earlier this week, Bruce Shelly, co-founder of Ensemble Studios sounded off regarding the company being shut down. In this editor’s personal opinion, the release of these prototype images most likely coincides with the studio being dissolved, possibly coming from a disgruntled employee (or maybe even a disgruntled fan).

Even more intriguing is how this relates to an invite-only Microsoft-sponsored poll from June asking gamers how they felt about a variety of Halo-themed spinoffs, including Lego Halo, a Halo-themed racing game, and a Halo MMORPG. Not only do these images shed new light on the games suggested in that poll, the mention of a Halo MMO suggests that the concept may still be on the table.