Halo Rumored to Pivot to an Extraction Shooter - Inside Games Roundup

This week's Inside Games Roundup dives into major industry rumors and developments, starting with explosive speculation that Halo Studios is pivoting from a canceled Battle Royale mode to a PvE extraction shooter called Project Ecker, codenamed Tatanka. The shift reflects broader industry struggles to define Halo's next multiplayer identity, with the community director playfully teasing the rumor via a pottery-making meme. The episode also explores Google's claim that nearly every major studio is already using AI in game development, citing cost savings and efficiency gains—though the hosts question whether AI-driven production will truly boost profits amid rising market saturation. Meanwhile, Housemarque's Saros is receiving critical acclaim for refining its roguelike formula into a more accessible, high-octane experience, potentially marking its breakthrough moment. In contrast, Gang of Dragon, a highly anticipated Yakuza creator-led title, faces existential threats after NetEase pulled funding, with its online presence vanishing. The show closes with a look at upcoming releases like Aphelion, Demon Lord, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Empire City, alongside free games on Epic, Amazon Prime, and Xbox Game Pass. A heartfelt thank-you to listeners and patrons rounds out the episode.