The press release states that the community is still very much active, with 343 Industries putting out another Community Spotlight to prove so. The recent edition is more of a love letter for the franchise, with everyone watching for new games.
The official account of Halo Infinite on Twitter also helped hype the spotlight with a sleek post praising @Hartwell_Design for the fantastic art work. This dark, gritty cinematic shot of an ODST gave people breath by the bunches. Wait, was that a new game? Nah, just some hardcore fans running away with things.
Of course, the reply section had it all. When will the entire Halo fandom ever be on one page? Some embraced the love. One of them was @PhenexSFM, who was quite thrilled to have his work featured. Others, there were mixed feelings. @ArcherSys, for example, said that Halo fans make better work than 343 ever will-which really hits home with passion.
Those replies are a jackpot for the ODST stans. They keep begging for an ODST sequel. “343, PLEASE.” And, rightfully so! People went through something really special in Halo 3: ODST, and somehow, they’ve yet to get past it.
Some were just too excited and were sure that the art was teasing a Helldivers crossover courtesy of @FettySpagetty or an official ODST game announcement from @bryanswood. Nope-not a chance, fam; just the community showing off what they can do. But hey, nice dream.
Not everybody’s down with it. @TheTankBall threw in a grand “no one is playing Halo, give up,” which… okay, buddy. In the meantime, @master095_ went, “Cool art, but where’s the new game?” And, well…the new game is (apparently) also the current biggest question of all Halo. The community still makes awesome stuff, but for how long without something official to inspire it?
Giving a shout-out to the actual Spotlight reminds one of just how fiercely dedicated the Halo fandom is. Killer art by @Hartwell_Design and genuine excitement from @PhenexSFM-a passion that is very real. Of course, we’ve seen our fair share of mistakes from 343. But for some Halo players to have taken up the mantle says a lot.
So yeah: the Halo community for sure is here to stay. From nostalgia to fan content and “still waiting for that announcement for ODST 2,” one thing is clear-also, the franchise means something still. Now if only the next game would come along.
