[edit]The build of Installation 01 as demonstrated in the March 2017 multiplayer FAQ footage
Installation 01 is a fan-made, multiplayer-only[1] project originally designed in Unity for Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux by Soon Studios.[2][3][4] The intent is to replicate the multiplayer gameplay of Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 4, and Halo 5 as a tribute to the series of games—with a specific target of Halo 3—and to do so without re-use of Microsoft assets.[5] The game is named after the Halo ring created by the Forerunner race in the Halo universe.[6]
The studio planned to support some features from later Halo games, but only in custom game modes.[5][7] Game artist Seth H. described a tension in the art and game design of Installation 01 caused by the Halo series' individual game designs.[7] They plan to provide map-making tools.[7]
An extremely-early version of the game was displayed in August 2014.[3] In November 2015, the game was displayed with functional multiplayer in "very small counts" of players; Kotaku noted that the game had not progressed far since August 2014.[3] The team sought to have a playable version of the video game in Q4 2016.[2] The studio was composed of over 30 people at this time.[4]
A test for the multiplayer mode was scheduled for November 2016, with plans for a later single-player mode.[4] At the time, the studio had made a number of familiar game elements, as well as both refreshed and remade versions of certain game maps.[8] Animation polish and additional gameplay elements remained.[8]Kotaku said the game was progressing well in March 2017.[9] In May, a cinematic trailer was released,[1] which featured character and weapons models based on Halo 3 designs.[10] Animator Matthew Lake animated a trailer for both his final academic assignment and to generate excitement for the game.[11] The game's release date was still unknown.[10] In July 2023, the studio announced it would be switching the project to Unreal Engine 5.[12] In November 2023, an early development post was made on Twitter, showcasing a playtest in Unreal Engine 5. Some art assets have been used in the new engine, but Soon Studios clarified that they're doing the programming from scratch.
There has not been a publicly available build throughout development, and there is no release date.
Soon Studios approached Microsoft around August 2016 regarding Microsoft's intellectual property, but did not receive a reply at the time.[5]GameSpot also inquired, without receiving a response.[5] In June 2017, Soon Studios announced their ongoing communication with 343 Industries and Microsoft.[13][14][15] The studio has been transparent with 343 Industries regarding plans for the game. 343 Industries confirmed that the developers are "not under imminent legal threat".[6]Installation 01's development is covered under Microsoft's Game Content Usage Rules, as long as the game remains non-commercial.[13][16] He elaborates that they will never accept donations, or sell Installation 01orHalo related merchandise as to keep a respectful distance between the studio and Microsoft's intellectual property. He also notes that these rules and assurances from Microsoft are specific to Installation 01 as a project, and do not apply elsewhere.[14][15]
