Halo Infinite multiplayer lead leaves 343 Industries

What you need to know

• Halo Infinite lead multiplayer designer, Andrew Witts, has announced his departure from 343 Industries.
• It remains unclear who next looks to assume the role at the Redmond studio.
• The news follows Halo Infinite's debut on Xbox consoles and PCs last December.

Halo Infinite lead multiplayer designer, Andrew Witts, has left developer 343 Industries, marking the latest high-profile departure from Microsoft's Redmond-based studio. Responsible for Halo Infinite's fundamental modes and systems, Witts spent over three years at the company, working alongside multiplayer creative director Tom French on its latest free-to-play offerings.

The news follows Halo Infinite's multiplayer launch last November, which saw the release of its initial free-to-play offerings, which serve as a platform "for the next ten years for Halo." That included a critically acclaimed foundation for its multiplayer, providing a modern spin on classic Halo gameplay. In January, the game had already seen over 20 million players, spanning Xbox consoles and Windows PCs.

Witts announced his departure on Twitter, stating it's been an "honor" leading the multiplayer design team for Halo Infinite. It currently remains unclear who will assume the role, heading Halo Infinite multiplayer design, following Witt's departure.

Halo Infinite has seen continued high-profile departures over the years, even cycling between multiple directors over half a decade on the project. Former 343 Industries studio head, Chris Lee, parted with the project in late 2020, following the departure of former creative director Tim Longo and lead producer Mary Olson in 2019. Former Bungie director, Joseph Staten, continues to lead up Halo Infinite as creative head on the project.

Halo Infinite soon receives its second season of content, with various new additions announced for the title. Halo Infinite Season 2, Lone Wolves, includes two multiplayer maps, three modes, and new customization offerings, now slated to launch on May 3, 2022.

It comes as Halo Infinite players voiced frustration over a lack of communication from developer 343 Industries, with scarce post-launch content updates seeing its population on the decline. Content aside, the game has also faced game-breaking technical issues, plus rampant cheating, significantly impacting those on PC. Season 2 represents the next opportunity to change the tone for what the studio hopes serves as a future platform for Halo.