According to a new rumor regarding 343 Industries' next iteration of the Halo franchise, Halo Infinite may include a battle royale mode after all. Despite earlier refutation, it seems as if 343 could be working on a battle royale mode for Halo Infinite that's unique and doesn't just follow in the footsteps of battle royale games like Fortnite and Apex Legends.

According to Thurrott editor Brad Sams, a battle royale mode is back on the plate for Halo Infinite. Sams' sources don't provide any further information, beyond Halo Infinite's battle royale being different than what's currently available on the market. He does add that Microsoft is likely to feature Halo Infinite during E3 2019 in a big way.

Sams also adds his voice to several rumors and reports that the budget of Halo Infinite is near to $500 million. Should this be the case, it would likely be easy for many to see how a battle royale mode could fit into the scope of a project with such a huge budget.

For the most part, Microsoft has remained quiet regarding Halo Infinite since it was announced during E3 2018. What's been said is that the game will mark "an entirely new chapter in the Halo saga" and that 343 plans to take the franchise into "new and unexpected directions", which could include battle royale if the rumors are true. However, it looked like 343 was at one point averse to making a battle royale mode for Halo Infinite. In July 2018, 343 franchise writer Jeff Easterline was quoted saying, "The only BR we're really interested in is Battle Rifle."

halo drop pod

A new Halo game will likely be of huge value to Microsoft, but a Halo game with a battle royale mode that provides lengthy post-launch support has the potential to add even more value. For instance, it could offer the possibility of better retention of players and their investment in the Xbox platform, and it could provide the company with a healthy profit, too.

Until Microsoft potentially opens up further about Halo Infinite at E3 2019, the battle royale mode for the game remains a rumor for now. Nevertheless, it's safe to presume plenty of fans will keep their eyes on what's to come for Halo Infinite.

Halo Infinite has not currently announced a release date, but is planned for both the PC and Xbox One.

Source: Thurrott