An Open Letter to 343 concerning Big Team Battle

There are plenty of hot button divisive topics that can the community argues about. Sprint or no sprint. Sidekick or BR starts. Player outlines or red vs blue. But the one thing that everyone can agree on is that Big Team Battle is missing a core element that has been in every Halo game since 2001.

**Jeff Steitzer.**

Removing Jeff Steitzer from Big Team Battle is completely tone deaf. For all of the pushing 343 has done to make Halo “like we remember” with Reach Customization, a return to a classic art style, a Master Chief centered campaign, a focus on the sandbox, etc. This decision is in complete opposition to the messaging we’ve been receiving since Infinite’s reveal in 2018.

Jeff’s removal is a removal of the spirit and identity of Halo. If there is one thing that people can point out about the Halo series that isn’t the Master Chief, it’s probably Jeff’s legendary voice work. He IS the voice of the Halo franchise.

Replacing Jeff’s voice work in Halo 5’s Warzone did not work in 2015 and it does not work in 2021. The community has not and never will ask for a split in Halo’s multiplayer. It didn’t work in 2015 in Halo 5 with “Arena” and Warzone” and it does not work in Infinite with “Arena” and “Big Team Battle”. Just keep it one immersive experience.

I understand lots of hard work has gone into the voice work for the AIs and Commander Agryna. They seem like genuinely positive additions to the franchise. I personally will not have the AI voice option or Spartan Chatter turned on at launch but I know it is a popular feature. There is still room in BTB for Jeff. His role is already diminished due to the AI addition in Arena, but the lack of his voice not being present for medals is extremely apparent. Please just add him to the multi kills at least.

To not have Jeff’s voice be available in the game mode that allows for all of the coolest and tense moments in the entire game is unforgivable. His presence is noted and the game suffers because of it.

Please 343, on behalf of the Halo community please add Jeff back to Big Team Battle. Own up to the mistake and solve the issue now so we can set the precedent going forward of listening to the needs and wants of the community.