Halo 2 remake coming for Xbox One, or Halo 5 marketing?

Besides the next Halo game announced at E3 (otherwise known as Halo 5), Microsoft might have something else Halo-related in the works, and it might have something to do with Halo 2. Halo 2’s 2004 launch was preceded by an alternate reality game (ARG) known as I Love Bees. A series of puzzles, audio logs, and other clues came together as a viral marketing campaign to promote Halo 2. It was one of the first major ARGs used for a video game promotion and paved the way for future campaigns.

A little over a week ago, Microsoft’s Major Nelson tweeted the following:

I am fascinated by Bees. Their organization, resourcefulness, adaptability, navigation skills & contribution to nature is captivating

— Larry Hryb (@majornelson) January 10, 2014

Quinn DelHoyo, who works for 343 Industries, replied to the tweet with his own thoughts on bees. A fan asked if the bee conversation had something to do with I Love Bees, and what followed were joking tweets from Graeme Boyd (Microsoft’s social marketing manage, who would be in charge of such a viral campaign) and Major Nelson, which further suggested something was up.

It feels like a bit too much to be a coincidence. Add in the fact that this year marks the 10th anniversary of Halo 2’s release, and we could be looking at early hints of a Halo 2 Anniversary Edition. On the other hand, Microsoft could be launching a new ARG to promote the next Halo game. Whatever the case may be, it can’t just be a harmless conversation about bees, can it?