Halo composer Martin O’Donnell has hit out at a new vinyl reissue of the original trilogy’s score, claiming he wasn’t consulted about the release.
Last week, Microsoft confirmed it would be releasing the epic soundtrack to the first three Halo games on vinyl for the first time. All 73-tracks from the 2001 original, the 2004 sequel and 2007’s Halo 3 are set to be included in the package, which also includes original sleeve artwork from Halo 3’s lead concept artist Issac Hannaford and will cost fans up to £140.
A press release also stated that the entire score had been “specially remastered” for the release but, according to composer Martin O’Donnell who worked extensively across all three games, that’s impossible because Microsoft don’t have access to the original recordings.
Taking to social media after the ‘Halo Original Trilogy Soundtrack Collection’ was announced, O’Donnell called the news “fascinating” before sharing a few thoughts.
“1. First I’ve heard of this. 2. Can’t actually be “remastered” because Microsoft doesn’t have the original multitrack recordings. 3. None of the composers or performers will see a dime. Other than that, cool!”
Fascinating! A few thoughts:
1. First I’ve heard of this
2. Can’t actually be “remastered” because MS doesn’t have the original multitrack recordings
3. None of the composers or performers will see a dime
Other than that, cool! https://t.co/q8CTZNS6FN
— Marty O’Donnell (@MartyTheElder) November 8, 2024
“Thank you for calling this out. Definitely not buying it now,” replied one fan. “If you’re not seeing a dime I won’t buy it. You made a soundtrack that got engraved in millions of peoples souls. For Microsoft to not give any money to the composers or performers is blatant disrespect,” said another.
“There’s a big conversation needed around music business in games,” said fellow composer Olivier Deriviere, who’s worked on games like Dying Light 2 and Streets Of Rage 4. “I’m trying. Join me?” replied O’Donnell.
O’Donnell was fired by Halo developers Bungie in 2015 and was ordered to return all music relating to upcoming game Destiny. However he went on to share a few early ideas on YouTube and Bandcamp which was later ruled as “contempt of court”, resulting in him needing to pay Bungie nearly $100,000 and having to ask fans to destroy all of their copies of the music.
Meanwhile Microsoft is looking at a “new dawn” of Halo with “multiple” new games in the works.
In other news, free-to-play mobile card collecting game Pokémon TCG Pocket is currently on track to be even bigger than global megahit Pokémon Go.