Halo 4 Release Date Set At November 6th

Most game companies run away screaming from early November, considering that to be Call of Duty's domain. However, Microsoft has decided that Halo 4 is big enough to compete.

Halo 4, slated for a November 6th worldwide launch, picks up where 2007's Halo 3 left off. Super soldier Master Chief and his A.I. companion Cortana have been drifting through space on a wrecked UNSC frigate. The frigate eventually drifts near a mysterious Forerunner planet that the two will investigate. H4 is intended as the first installment of a new trilogy.

This will be the first shooter in the series not developed by Bungie, who is off developing a new IP. Halo 4 is being headed up by 343 Industries, a subsidiary of Microsoft. 343 was created by Microsoft to solely focus on the Halo franchise, including games and other merchandise.

"We are beginning a new saga with Halo 4 and embarking on a journey that will encompass the next decade of Halo games and experiences," said Phil Spencer, corporate vice president of Microsoft Studios. "Millions of fans worldwide have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to step back into the boots of Master Chief, and, with Halo 4 leading the charge, we’re confident 2012 will be the most successful year in Xbox history."

Halo 4 will make an appearance on Conan O'Brien's TBS talk show tonight. Conan airs at 11 pm EST.

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