I’m stepping in here with a bit of a twisty tale about The Forge Falcons, one of those teams that got creative with Halo Infinite’s Forge mode. You know, the kind of group that turns maps into something that makes you go, “Whoa, did I just step into another universe?” Anyway, these guys just announced they’re waving goodbye to Halo Infinite, and it’s apparently because they’re not feeling the love from Halo Studios. Can you believe it? A powerhouse like Halo Studios—formerly 343 Industries, mind you—and yet, the magic isn’t happening. It’s like ordering your favorite dish only to realize they forgot the secret sauce.
Forge mode, if you remember, popped up way back in 2007 with Halo 3. Crazy to think it’s been around that long. Then it reappeared in Halo Infinite in 2022, letting players morph maps into anything they could dream up. Some of these maps even hit the official playlists! But with Halo Studios giving a royal shrug to new map development lately, the community’s creativity became the only thing feeding the content beast.
The Falcons were pretty much the Picasso of this Forge scene, whipping up things like a battle royale mode dubbed “Inheritor” and a “Survive the Undead” mode that’s like a love letter to Call of Duty: Zombies. Oh, and their Helljumpers mode? A nod to the chaos of Helldivers 2 co-op play that felt kind of epic, if you ask me. But, here’s the kicker, despite all these wild creations, the Falcons pointed out they got zilch in terms of acknowledgment from Halo Studios. I mean, no shoutouts, no thanks—nothing. How’s that for a one-sided relationship?
Their Twitter statement was like an open letter of longing, a bit like a romantic comedy gone wrong. They didn’t want money, just a little nod or virtual high-five for their work, which honestly, has been driving player engagement like a midnight snack binge. They did mention, though, that Xbox promos used their work. Yet, it’s like wrapping a present and forgetting the card—those little things matter.
So what’s next for The Forge Falcons? They’re taking their toys over to Fortnite, where Epic Games rolls out a bit more of a red carpet through its Island Creator Program. Seems like Epic knows how to keep a community builder happy. Meanwhile, Halo Studios is mum on the Falcons’ flight to freedom—or, at least, to another platform. But the fanbase? They’re in full support mode, demanding Halo Studios show some gratitude to those who keep the show running while rumors about a Halo: Combat Evolved remake swirl around.
All in all, it’s like a classic tale of love and loss with a sprinkle of corporate drama. Who knew the world of mapmaking could be so… dramatic?