343 Industries continues to lose experienced talent. Nicolas Bouvier, who has worked at the Halo franchise for almost 14 years, has announced his decision to leave the studio and pursue new opportunities.
Source: Bouvier’s ArtStation
Nicolas Bouvier shared the news on Twitter, wishing all the best to his colleagues. “It’s been a hell of a ride, loved every minute of it,” he said.
Bouvier joined 343 Industries in 2008, serving as lead artist on Halo 4 and art director on Halo 5: Guardians and Halo Infinite. Prior to that, he worked at id Software, Ubisoft, and other prominent game companies. Bouvier contributed to titles like Prince of Persia: Warrior Within, Assassin’s Creed, and Cold Fear.
All good things come to an end. After close to 14 years on HALO, I have decided to pursue other opportunities outside Microsoft and 343 Industries. It’s been a hell of a ride, loved every minute of it. Wishing the absolute best to 343, you guys are and always will be amazing. pic.twitter.com/6mmQtvLTW7
— sparth (@nbsparth) July 18, 2022
On the 343 Industries website, the artist called Ultima 3: Exodus his favorite video game of all time. He also said that Halo and sci-fi shooters in general will always have a future because “they express a need for the unknown: technologies as yet un-invented, as well as a window opening on events that could potentially happen one day.”
This follows a few other high-profile departures at 343 Industries. In May, Halo Infinite design lead Jerry Hook left the studio. The studio also lost Halo Infinite lead writer Aaron Linde and lead multiplayer designer Andrew Witts earlier this year.