Microsoft studio manager Mike Ybarra has announced that Joe Staten is back at Microsoft Studios. Joe was formerly with Bungie where he worked on Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, and Halo 3: ODST. He also wrote Halo: Contact Harvest, and contributed to other various Haloprojects including the troubled Halo movie.
He continued with Bungie after they left the Halo franchise in 343 Industries hands, and his next project would see him as writer and design director on Destiny. Then on September 24 last year, Bungie announced that Staten had left the company to pursue new creative challenges.
Joe is now at Microsoft Studios as senior creative director, but he’s “not working directly on the next Halo title” a Microsoft spokesperson has told Destructoid. Joe “will help create the world’s best entertainment on Xbox, as well as help shape our franchise strategy for some Microsoft Studios titles. He’ll also be one of our leading ambassadors to the game development community, building on his many years of experience and relationships with developers and fans. We’re excited to share more about Joseph’s role in the future.”
HFFL: Hmm, I just can’t fathom Joe NOT working on Halo, now that he’s back with Microsoft.
This article was first published on destructoid.com. (About 25 minutes before I reposted it, LOL)
-Sal
According to this story he will not be working for 343 directly
http://www.polygon.com/2014/1/9/5293310/former-bungie-bigwig-joe-staten-returns-to-microsoft
Also one of the commenters says Frankie confirms this on NeoGaf but does not provide a link. So probably not helping make Halo 5/Halo Xbox One. My guess (and hope) is that he is going to be involved with the Halo TV series. I don’t think anyone else has a better feel for Halo stories than Joe. Eric Nylund might be a better writer, but he was still playing in the sandbox designed by Joe and the rest of the Bungie team. Regardless, this news makes me excited for future stories coming out of Microsoft Game Studios.
I’d be happy with that. Like I said, I just can’t see Joe being at Microsoft and not being involved with the Halo franchise in some regard, even if not the next video game.
It looks like there is a lot going on behind the scenes at the moment over there. the lead artist has changed titles to visual concept design lead . With Joseph coming back to Microsoft it definately opens the door for some of the original narrative to maybe come back. As you know if he is involved, he was a major part of the novels and halo bible. One thing is for sure with all the role changes, people stepping down, and people being hired, it tells me we might just be in for a year full of surprises! Here’s hoping. Your favorite Kiwi……….. Martin
I definitely agree with you on all points! I really hope all these maneuvers are those steps in the right direction to making Halo prominent again.