“Who are these Spartans? This and many more mysteries will be uncovered as we draw closer to the world premiere of Halo 5: Guardians at E3 2015. Join us as we #HUNTtheTRUTH,” Microsoft teased.
[dropcap size=small]O[/dropcap]n Tuesday, Microsoft unveiled the final cover art for Halo 5: Guardians. The cover features one team of unknown Spartans led by a new character named Locke and another team being led by Master Chief. Halo 5: Guardians is set to be released during the fall of this year, which will be the third Halo installment from Microsoft-owned 343 Industries. 343 Industries developed Halo 4 and the Halo: The Master Chief Collection after taking over the franchise from Bungie back in 2007.
During the last week of April, Microsoft began releasing cryptic images. The images came with no instructions, no explanation, absolutely nothing. These cryptic images were all clues and hints that pointed towards the release of the cover art for Halo 5: Guardians. These cryptic images coincide with #HuntTheTruth. If anyone is unfamiliar with the #HUNTTheTRUTH movement, here is what you need to know.
The #HuntTheTruth movement is a campaign launched by Microsoft to provide some back story to Halo 5: Guardians. Microsoft created a Tumblr account called HuntTheTruth.tumblr.com, which was created to follow the works of an investigative reporter by the name of Benjamin Giraud. Mr. Giraud has been looking into the origins of Master Chief, and he begins writing a government-commissioned propaganda piece that becomes a tangled web of deception and intrigue. The most current episode has Mr. Giraud coming to Earth for a face-to-face meeting at the Office of Naval Intelligence, or ONI. If you listen to the recording you’ll notice that things start to go awry as it becomes clear the government knows the journalist has strayed from his original work.
Of course this isn’t the first time Microsoft has done something like this either. For past Halo games Microsoft created in-universe lore around and beyond the Halo games. Halo 2 brought fans the I Love Bees alternate-reality game, Halo 3 gave us a stunning diorama of a battle between The Master Chief and the Covenant. Microsoft even did a short TV mini series called Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn. That being said, it’s not that surprising that Microsoft has gone one step further to keep its fans sitting on the edge of their seats wondering what is going to happen next.
Halo 5: Guardians will be available October 27th, 2015.
