Installation 01 is an upcoming fan-made first-person shooter video game based on the Halo series, developed by Soon Studios (previously known as The Installation 01 Team) for Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems in Unity.
| Installation 01 | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Soon Studios |
| Series | Halo (unofficial) |
| Engine | Unity |
| Platform(s) |
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| Genre(s) | First-person shooter |
| Mode(s) | Multiplayer |

Installation 01 is a fan-made, multiplayer-only[1] project 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]
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.[12][13][14] 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.[12][15] He elaborates that they will never accept donations, or sell Installation 01 or Halo 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.[13][14] The studio hopes that the project can continue to be a positive driving force within the Halo community.[13][15]
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