Sign on Options
Theme:
To Dark

Bungie sends off Halo: Reach

PAX 2010: Creators of Microsoft's highly acclaimed sci-fi first-person shooter series delve into what it took to create their final effort in the franchise.

Who was there: Bungie brought out some of its biggest guns for its 2010 Penny Arcade Expo panel devoted to Halo: Reach, including executive producer Joe Tung, creative lead Marcus Lehto, composer Marty O'Donnell, story and cinematics lead Lee Wilson, campaign lead designer Niles Sankey, sandbox lead designer Sage Merrill, cooperative multiplayer lead Lars Bakken, and community manager Brian Jarrard.

Halo: Reach falls in less than two weeks.

Halo: Reach falls in less than two weeks.

What they talked about: September 14 signifies the end of an era, as it will mark the conclusion of Bungie's involvement in creating new games in the franchise that defined the Xbox as a gaming platform. With that as a backdrop, the collected Bungie contingent held forth on the series for quite possibly the last time to discuss its latest creation, Halo: Reach.

Bungie kicked off the panel by discussing how a four-man team began planning out the initial concept for the game in October 2007--six years after the novel the game was partially based on, author Eric Nylund's Halo: The Fall of Reach, was published. The process largely began with a storyboard-style trailer, where a sun crests on a verdant, Earth-like planet, with picturesque snow-covered mountains towering over lush, green fields. The trailer then fades to white, as the word Reach emerges in black print.

Next, a pencil sketch of a Spartan soldier is shown donning his iconic helmet, before speeding off along a dirt road in a Warthog. An ATV with a second Spartan soldier then appears, and text at the bottom of the scene reads "Planet Reach, in the year 2552." The panel noted that the trailer was a very early previsualization of where it wanted to go with the project, and the sequence ultimately became the opening of the game.

The team then delved into the process of creating the world of Reach, which it described as a major character in the game and the site of one of the largest conflicts in the Human-Covenant war. Though many of the details don't appear in the game, the team mapped out such features as colonization history, geography, and economic and military centers. Other features, such as the planet's 27-hour day/night cycle and 390-day year were also built into the game.

The team also selected certain features of the planet itself that it wanted to focus on, including environments such as badlands or temperate zones, as well as architecture that ranges from rustic to hyper-urban. The goal was to give the planet a lived-in feel with a backstory all its own.

At the same time, the team was also building out levels. This process began, quite literally, with the team making a zero-detail sketch composed of circles and lines that offered a rough overview of a player's progression through the level. From there, the design advanced to a Post-it note phase, where pink notes represented gameplay moments; yellow was for sandbox, free-roaming areas; and blue signified story sequences. This phase was highly fluid, as the team hammered out the game's overall progression.

Then, the team used Studio Max to quickly build out the game before placing it in the actual engine. This phase was also highly dynamic, as the rough pencil outlines became visualized. The team also used this time to define such components of the game as base run speed and how players would actually navigate through environments. The broad-stroke approach was designed to be in its roughest form possible, so the team could quickly and easily see how a level would look and work and could make necessary changes as early as possible.

The panel then shifted to the characters within the game, specifically Noble Team, the six-Spartan squad at the center of Halo: Reach. (See first trailer below for an introduction.) A lot of work was put into fleshing out the group of Spartans that players will take up with, as the team wants each of the five Spartans (the player being the sixth) to come across as fully realized characters. They then showed early concept art, which emphasized unique colors and defined weapon loadouts. Apparently, more concept art was used in Halo: Reach than in all of the other franchise installments combined.

The team emphasized that all of the characters in Noble Team should feel believable and instantly recognizable, without resorting to stereotypes. They also initially planned for Noble Team to be made up of seven Spartan soldiers, having drawn much of their inspiration from Akira Kurosawa's classic Seven Samurai and its Western remake, The Magnificent Seven.

Next, Bungie discussed how it went about conveying the story to players. The team wanted the story told as if players were truly embedded in Noble Team. To do this, they gave up "meanwhile moments" in favor of having players experience the story as if they were on a need-to-know basis like their Spartan companions. Therefore, the way Noble Team reacts to events became a central way in which the story is conveyed.

Bungie also said that for the first time, they utilized motion-capture technology, which helped make player animation and subtle body language more believable. Mo-cap also helped in cinematic design, as they began to see the camera as another player that would move in a believable fashion. It also gave the game a captured feel, as opposed to a staged shot. Even facial animation benefited from technology, they said, as the team used a special capturing mechanism to better highlight characters' expressions in-game.

Gameplay prototypes were also briefly discussed during the panel. The speakers ran an early-in-production reel in which gameplay was prototyped. This trailer showed the initial work put into space combat, as well as players' ability to mount and thrash large enemies and cruise around massive, open environments in a Warthog. The team also showed gameplay mechanics that were cut from the final game, including a boat-combat sequence on the high seas.

Quote: "It occurred to us while you all were walking in that this might be the last time we talk about Halo in front of an audience like this."--Marcus Lehto, on Bungie's exit from the Halo franchise.

Takeaway: Halo: Reach looks to be the culmination of everything that Bungie has learned about what makes the franchise the phenomenon that it is. From tried-and-true concepting to new technology, the team has gone out of its way to see that Reach lives up to the reputation of quality that its predecessors have set.

497 Comments

  • feudemonj00

    Posted Sep 12, 2010 5:42 am GMT

    And most of the COD people are a bunch of lazy, pot smoking losers who just put it on hardcore and sit in a corner getting single shot kills. I'd wipe my ass with you at Halo where you actually have to be good with a weapon consistently to get kills. It's not just "aim at a choke point and pull the trigger when something moves".

  • feudemonj00

    Posted Sep 12, 2010 5:39 am GMT

    PS3 doesn't have a game as good as Halo. They have tried and failed. Killzone 2 was a joke. PS3 keep touting "Halo Killer" games all the time, and they don't even come close. Resistance was another one that I played, because I have honestly been looking for the game that can dethrone Halo as one of the best FPS games of all time, but so far it hasn't been close at all. COD fanboys need to stfu because you say that microsoft exploits the Halo series but Activision won't even give any dev the time needed to put out a game that is mostly free of bugs and exploits. Have fun with COD Yearly Installment.

  • XanderZane

    Posted Sep 9, 2010 10:38 am GMT

    @sirmourinho said:

    @XanderZane

    why? the game is OK at best.

    no need to rush out and buy it.

    you can pretty much skip out on buying it until next year and you would have missed nothing.

    its like playing an EA sports game every year, the difference between each annual release is like the difference in shoe laces. i.e no difference. this HALO game is nothing new. its a shame you are all rushing to play a game that has no new innovations or brings nothing new to the gaming community.

    its coz of you HALO fan boys that we are getting shafted with same old same old games and nothing new or original is getting released.
    *****************************************************************
    I don't think there is any reason to rush out and get KZ3 or GT5 either, but I'm sure people will still rush out and get those games as well. I think Halo Reach has a lot of difference compared to the last 3 Halo games. Sure it's still a shooter, but there are enough differences, especially in multiplayer to make the game interesting in fun. GT5 will most likely be GT4 with better graphics and some canned damage. They are finally adding online and drag racing I think (after hearing Turn 10 state this for Forza 4) to give you some more mods and options. The only reason to get GT5 is for the online I think.

  • senorbusyman

    Posted Sep 9, 2010 12:05 am GMT

    cant wait for REACH!!

  • noturfangirl

    Posted Sep 8, 2010 8:30 am GMT

    Didn't this game come out in 2001?

  • poorisaac

    Posted Sep 7, 2010 7:05 pm GMT

    @assionac Dude I am not even a Halo fan and this one looks good. And what does it matter if someone wants to spend 40 or 50 dollars more on ANY collectors edition? It's their money. And some of those CE come with cool stuff. Because they are just that COLLECTOR'S EDITION.

  • Assionac posted Sep 7, 2010 3:19 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Assionac

    Posted Sep 7, 2010 3:19 pm GMT (hide)

    Halo fanboys will buy anything that Bungie/Microsoft puts out. It's gotta be collectors edition also, gotta have the best, the latest and greatest. Same thing with Starcraft, CE or gtfo. The flash drive is useless but you gotta have it. OHhh I don't mind paying $180 for one game haha. .... HALO ODST....

  • Flint247

    Posted Sep 7, 2010 1:25 pm GMT

    People say Halo is overrated, but look at Call of Duty...

  • MyLameUsername posted Sep 7, 2010 1:21 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    MyLameUsername

    Posted Sep 7, 2010 1:21 pm GMT (hide)

    boring trailer

  • King_Gamer19

    Posted Sep 7, 2010 1:19 pm GMT

    @thatuserguy I've played Halo didn't like it I like CoD better I never said anyone who liked Halo was stupid or any thing I could care less what other people play I'm not a stupid fanboy I just didn't like Halo

  • Karratti

    Posted Sep 7, 2010 12:49 pm GMT

    @thatuserguy While I can sort of understand your position, I don't think that there's anything necessarily wrong with wanting to play the "cool" games. I usually play anything that interests me, and often, it's those huge, blockbuster hits that garner my interest.

    Just play what you want to play. There's always a few like-minded people about who are on your same wavelength.

  • turtlebird95

    Posted Sep 7, 2010 11:57 am GMT

    Can't believe it's less than a week away. It seems like yesterday I was playing the beta. Can't wait! See you all on Reach!

  • The_Dragon_Born

    Posted Sep 7, 2010 11:57 am GMT

    inferno394 has been practically living on this forum. Rather pathetic.

  • thatuserguy posted Sep 7, 2010 11:53 am GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    thatuserguy

    Posted Sep 7, 2010 11:53 am GMT (hide)

    @King_Gamer19
    Your name states you are a gamer, but you aren't a true gamer until you go away from what everyone thinks is the "cool" game and play what you like, and play other games you wouldn't normally to see if you like them.
    @wars45
    PS3 would be lucky to have halo, and the new thing they bring will most likely be kickass just like the rest of the games they made (GNOP! FTW!)
    @inferno394
    Long enough for me. There's a point when a game gets too long that you don't want to play it anymore because it will inevitably begin getting repetitive. Also, with all the features I mentioned before for it, you may as well multiply that 8 hours by 5 because that's probably what many people are going to be pulling in campaign alone.

  • Rhino53

    Posted Sep 7, 2010 11:11 am GMT

    @delta3074
    Took the words right out of my mouth...

  • delta3074

    Posted Sep 7, 2010 10:56 am GMT

    @inferno 8 hours? cool ,long enough for me then, especially considering i might put 100+ extra hours into the online and firefight 2.0,your sad attempts at discrediting this game just make me want to buy it even more, it must be good, you can't stop talking about it,lol

  • inferno394 posted Sep 7, 2010 10:25 am GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    inferno394

    Posted Sep 7, 2010 10:25 am GMT (hide)

    @golgo28 It took me a day to get this game. Only took 8 hrs to finish it. As for the game itself, not worth all this hype and isn't worth the $65. Otherwise i'd wait till the 14th.

  • MMOPlayer22 posted Sep 7, 2010 9:39 am GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    MMOPlayer22

    Posted Sep 7, 2010 9:39 am GMT (hide)

    Another rehash, I'm super excited.

  • The_Dragon_Born

    Posted Sep 7, 2010 8:11 am GMT

    I've heard a lot of comments about Halo being overrated. Its possible that might be true... However... Halo is good, Halo is fun, I'm not buying it because of the hype. I'm buying because I enjoy it. And so do a few million other people. Get over it.

  • damaster101

    Posted Sep 7, 2010 8:09 am GMT

    I didn't like Halo 2 or 3 but this one looks good man, really looking forward to it.

  • Meta33

    Posted Sep 7, 2010 7:57 am GMT

    Good to know this will be bungies last game. Now they can focus on thier new product. And watch how microsoft runs this series into the ground.

  • SMASHED_ASPHALT

    Posted Sep 7, 2010 7:56 am GMT

    This ought to be a fun ride.

  • bellsmye1

    Posted Sep 7, 2010 7:05 am GMT

    ODST was a bit crap, Halo 2's ending made me rage... but Halo is a fantastic franchise which has given me awesome memories. Haters, keep hating. Your hatred only sustains my erection. See you all on Reach!

  • Karratti

    Posted Sep 7, 2010 6:14 am GMT

    You know, while I'm not the biggest Halo fan - Just picked up a 360 a few months ago and burned through the trilogy and ODST - I'm really looking forward to Reach. Mostly for the Forge World possibilities.

    You've got to think, this game is Bungie's Halo "Opus". They'll be pulling out all the stops on this one. I'll be playing this thing on day one.

  • wars45 posted Sep 7, 2010 6:11 am GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    wars45

    Posted Sep 7, 2010 6:11 am GMT (hide)

    well bungie last halo game then the next game is for ps3 and 360 just hope wot ever they make its not like halo has i think they are not that good

  • King_Gamer19 posted Sep 7, 2010 5:55 am GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    King_Gamer19

    Posted Sep 7, 2010 5:55 am GMT (hide)

    No thanks I'll stick with CoD:Black Ops & MoH

  • 2nude4u

    Posted Sep 7, 2010 5:22 am GMT

    Do you want this cake?

  • golgo28

    Posted Sep 7, 2010 3:59 am GMT

    too bad all the douche bag modders/hackers are already playing reach now.i hope ms bans all their butts.filthy cheats!

  • FoxbatAlpha posted Sep 7, 2010 3:39 am GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    FoxbatAlpha

    Posted Sep 7, 2010 3:39 am GMT (hide)

    @twiglet015

    I should hope GT5 is a canidate for Game of the Year. A 60 million dollar buget and 6 years of delays should make it perfect.

  • han117

    Posted Sep 7, 2010 3:29 am GMT

    6 days 3 hours... ^_^ thank sweet baby jesus my exams finish before then otherwise i would have failed at life.
    as long as i get and finish halo reach a few times, my life will be complete

  • icebox98

    Posted Sep 7, 2010 2:02 am GMT

    i have to pre-order this. i don't want to be a spartan missing in action!

  • Gundamforce

    Posted Sep 7, 2010 12:04 am GMT

    This is going to be awesome!

  • Flint247

    Posted Sep 6, 2010 11:58 pm GMT

    Thumbs up if you played the beta.

  • delta3074

    Posted Sep 6, 2010 11:58 pm GMT

    wow, look at all the Halo haters squirming, classice, mark me down all you like boys, i will be laughing all the way to...well, reach actually,6 days and a wake up to go!

  • ClevBeast posted Sep 6, 2010 10:57 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    ClevBeast

    Posted Sep 6, 2010 10:57 pm GMT (hide)

    Still undecided

  • SniperFire17

    Posted Sep 6, 2010 10:51 pm GMT

    Who in the bloody hell invited all these jealous pathetic PS3 fanboys in here?

  • y2kern

    Posted Sep 6, 2010 9:13 pm GMT

    @ k2theswiss i just wont sit hear and let the ps fans talk crap about a 360 exclusive. and also this ps fan critisized me stating i cannot afford a ps3.

    @y2kern eal-zubieri said
    there are two types of fanboys:1) fanboys who have mental issues and stick to one console for unknown reason(some can't afford it) and bashs another consoles 2) stup*d fanboys that don't know anything(like your self) who bashs games because he can't play them(their moms didn't give enough money). do you want me to give him a round of applause, for insulting me. i dont have a problem with ps fans liking their favourite games. but this is about halo reach

  • maazbazmi

    Posted Sep 6, 2010 9:06 pm GMT

    ahh all good things must come to an end

  • k2theswiss

    Posted Sep 6, 2010 9:01 pm GMT

    @y2kern
    "there are 2 types of ps fanboys, ones that are gay and ones that are stupid, which category do you fall in. for your information i am a working man and i could afford a ps3. but i dont want it, because when i go online i meet total idiots like you that cant play games. and are lame in everything. ps3 does not interest me one bit, psn blows balls, ps3 games dont interest me, online on ps3 is lame. like is said before this is about halo reach, you should not be here, go and play little big planet or something, and try not to hurt the kids."

    you know you have a couple post in this thread about fanboys and this post is the worse i seen from you so far... you claim theirs only two but i say there's three and the third one is the worse and that you...

    you keep going on an on and on. you a fanboy who hates other fanboys... you go back 10's of pages to find someone to hate dude i have a word search on firefox and i went back about 10 pages and couldn't find one of the people you have talked about in recent post's. what do you have a fanboy search? or enjoy going back 10's of pages just find something do?

  • KillerFPS

    Posted Sep 6, 2010 8:45 pm GMT

    Can't wait to play this but as others have said, the Xbox 360's game list is getting slimmer and slimmer and becoming more and more tied to Halo and Gears. Don't get me wrong I enjoy both franchises (Gears more than Halo) but the Xbox 360 really needs to branch out and do some new stuff. The PS3 meanwhile, has continued to release games in both new franchises and existing franchises. Microsoft really needs to get some more variety in its release list before people start to burn out on these franchises.

  • y2kern

    Posted Sep 6, 2010 8:39 pm GMT

    @ eal-zubieri, there are 2 types of ps fanboys, ones that are gay and ones that are stupid, which category do you fall in. for your information i am a working man and i could afford a ps3. but i dont want it, because when i go online i meet total idiots like you that cant play games. and are lame in everything. ps3 does not interest me one bit, psn blows balls, ps3 games dont interest me, online on ps3 is lame. like is said before this is about halo reach, you should not be here, go and play little big planet or something, and try not to hurt the kids.

  • y2kern

    Posted Sep 6, 2010 8:33 pm GMT

    @ amaan4ever i totally agree with you.

Subscribe to GameSpot's YouTube Channel

Hot Stories

Newsmakers

Featured Stories

Tags

halo   halo: reach

Submit News

Got tips? Send them in!