Enjoying Helldivers 2? Of course, you are! Unless you’re an Xbox user wondering if the game will ever see the light of day on Microsoft’s console. And, it may just hurt a little more to know that the makers of Halo once pitched a version of the game that was strikingly similar in nature.
Over the years, this idea came from the devs at 343 Industries, but the concept never really made it to development because it was downright rejected. In fact, the lead designer event went on to say how these ideas were pretty common in the last many years.
The team was about to build a sci-fi project that could compete with Helldivers 2
Recently, a tweet almost shook the heads of thousands on the internet. Especially the Xbox community. Amidst the noise of success that Helldivers 2 has been making, the game’s exclusion from Xbox consoles is a matter of disappointment. However, upon learning that there was almost a Halo game with a similar concept, things may have gotten worse.
In a tweet recently, Kevin Schmitt (the lead designer behind several games) shared how similar concepts were pitched to directors and none of them really saw the light of day. One of them was quite similar to Helldivers. Ouch!
If this game had happened, the Xbox community would have been on the other side of the table, rejoicing over an exclusive that wouldn’t come to PS for a long time. Unfortunately, all this is but a mere fantasy at this point.
Can you imagine a Halo game set in a rogue-like co-op world?
Given how Helldivers 2 thrives on a roguelike approach to gameplay where every challenge feels different each time, it’s actually possible to imagine a Halo game set in a similar universe. What makes this better is how these games have already set a strong foundation in different planets and galaxies where Master Chief and the team could adventure across different campaigns.
Let’s be honest, even though Helldivers 2 is an outrageously fun game, the narrative always takes a backseat. There’s no single-player campaign or storyline as such, except for a setting that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The goofiness of it all surely adds to the experience.
However, if the team at 343 Industries made a game like this… it would be larger than the sum of its parts. This could have been not only an exciting co-op game but something with a narrative that would develop over time.
Moreover, the possibility of an open world is ready to be explored. Okay, maybe it’s best to not feed a dying fantasy anymore, and just hope that Xbox gets the games it deserves. In the meantime, what are your thoughts on the games by 343 industries that never made it? Let us know in the comments below.
