The new Halo series will be named the Reclaimer Trilogy, developer 343 Industries revealed at the PAX Halo 4 panel. Halo 4 is a direct sequel to Halo 3, and the new trilogy will emphasize Master Chief as both a character and a force to be reckoned with. The iteration of Master Chief in this year's E3 teaser was not the final version, and 343 wants to sell "the fantasy that Master Chief is an 800-pound hero that is part tank, part jet fighter" with the Reclaimer Trilogy. Cortana will play a large role in Master Chief's storyline, in a "unique relationship that hasn't been addressed in other games," 343 said.

The Reclaimer Trilogy will balance classic Halo gameplay with innovations in weaponry and abilities to give long-time fans a sense of something new, 343 said. Creative director Josh Holmes described Halo 4's overall gameplay in simple, traditional terms: "Well, it plays like Halo."