CES 2010: Halo Reach to be a prequel to existing Halo games

You didn’t really think Microsoft was serious about that “finish the fight” nonsense, did you? Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer leaked precious little this week about the upcoming installment in one of gaming’s biggest franchises, but did mention it takes place before the days of Master Chief. That’s similar territory to what Halo Wars and Halo 3:ODST traveled.

Whether Master Chief’s story is over or not (and I’m betting on not) opening the prequel gates has given Microsoft carte blanche to keep the Halo games coming.

What Star Wars is to film and what Harry Potter is to fantasy books, Halo is to the gaming industry,” said Robbie Bach, Microsoft’s president for entertainment and devices,” Robbie Bach, Microsoft’s president for entertainment and devices said.

I love calling execs out on hyperbole as much as the next writer, but I honestly can’t here. The Halo franchise has changed gaming forever, and for the better. I don’t know much more about Halo Reach than I did before CES, but I know I’ll be playing it. And I know I won’t be alone.

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