The rumor mill is humming today with speculation that the next Halo game we see from Microsoft's newly formed 343 Studios will be a very familiar game and arrive sooner than anticipated. If this one turns out to be true, a remake of the game that started it all, Halo: Combat Evolved, will arrive in time for the 2011 holidays.

CVG reports that "industry chatter" indicates 343 Studios is now working on a remake of Bungie's original Halo game that would run on the new Halo: Reach engine and ship before Microsoft's planned full sequel to Halo 3 set for holiday 2012.


Microsoft's UK Xbox boss Stephen McGill neither confirmed or denied the rumor, telling CVG: "I imagine it's a good idea. I think some people want to go back to older games and see them revisited and I think a lot of developers want to see that too."

Adding further weight to the rumor, the Halo: Combat Evolved remake would be released on the original game's tenth anniversary in November 2011. It would also jive with Microsoft Studios' stated plan to launch a new Halo title every year.

Microsoft, as expected, responded to requests for comment by stating it does not comment on rumor and speculation.


Sharkey says: When Microsoft and Epic made the surprising announcement that Gears of War 3 had been bumped all the way from April 2011 to holiday season 2011, savvy gamers recognized the move as compensation for the lack of a 2011 Halo game. If this rumor turns out to be true, I imagine Epic won't be too pleased.