MGS4's Payton Joins Microsoft Halo Crew

Payton was assistant producer on the recently-released Metal Gear Solid 4, playing a role in injecting Western design elements into the decidedly Japanese series. He also aided in the actual design of Metal Gear Online and Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops.

To gamers, he's best known as a Western liaison for Tokyo, Japan-based Konami subsidiary Kojima Productions, the studio behind Metal Gear.

Payton left Kojima Productions for Washington State due to family-related issues earlier this year.

Payton is rumored to be directing a new Halo project, although a Microsoft rep would not confirm that information.

The rep only stated, "The team is working on upcoming and existing Halo games."

Also confirmed to be joining MGS is programming ace Corrine Yu, formerly of Gearbox Software, and her husband, artist Kenneth Scott of Doom house id Software.

Microsoft also confirmed that David Wu, former tech director at Full Auto developer Pseudo Interactive, and ex-Bungie content manager Frank O'Connor are also on Microsoft's Halo team.

Spencer said in a statement, "Microsoft Game Studios is thrilled to have such talented people working to develop new and exciting projects within the Halo universe and supporting existing projects from studios like Bungie and Ensemble."

Ensemble is currently developing Halo Wars, which will be the studio's final game before Microsoft shutters the developer.

The confirmation of the hirings comes days before the Tokyo Game Show, where, according to the Microsoft rep, Halo house Bungie will be making a major announcement regarding the recently-released Halo teaser video.