I haven't actually played this game. If this game has a significant graphical update, a new single player campaign and its own multiplayer community then why does it only have a subtitle rather than a significant number? I know its trivial but I would imagine "Halo 4" would be better marketing than just making sound like a spin off (which I assumed it was until its release).
 
I don't think the fact that its a prequel is a real reason. Metal Gear Solid 3 was a prequel. 
 
Again, I have'nt played it and I'm sure the answer would be pretty straight forward if I had. Just curious.

Because it's a prequel, not a continuation of the ongoing canon, which ended in Halo 3.

Casue they want to get away from the whole numbering system or else you're gonna get another case of Final Fantasy 14 again where at that point they should really just stop numbering them. 

Because Halo 4 would make people think of Master Chief and his continuing cannon
 
"Reach" makes people think of the fall of the planet Reach

" Because it's a prequel, not a continuation of the ongoing canon, which ended in Halo 3. "

" @Fallen189 said:

" Because it's a prequel, not a continuation of the ongoing canon, which ended in Halo 3. "

That, plus I imagine that a Halo 4 would have to have some pretty significant changes. "

See I do think the fact that it's a prequel is precisely the reason it isn't called Halo 4.

Because Bungie are leaving MS and were not interested in further exploring the universe, but they needed to solidify the tech before passing it off to MS.  I guarantee there will be some kind of Halo 4 game coming from 343 Industries.

" @natetodamax said:

" @Fallen189 said:

" Because it's a prequel, not a continuation of the ongoing canon, which ended in Halo 3. "

That, plus I imagine that a Halo 4 would have to have some pretty significant changes. "

They could have gotten away with it though. Metal Gear Solid 3 was a prequel, for example. Devil May Cry 3 was also a prequel, and there are various other examples that I'm too lazy to think of right now.  "

 "Reach" makes people think of the fall of the planet Reach "

"I guarantee there will be some kind of Halo 4 game coming from 343 Industries. "

Halo: 0

Because either option is completely arbitrary anyway?

Why do we not have Halo A, Halo B, Halo C?  Or Alpha, Beta, Gamma?

"

Because either option is completely arbitrary anyway?

Why do we not have Halo A, Halo B, Halo C?  Or Alpha, Beta, Gamma?

"

Because they are not the MGS or DMC franchise and jump around there time line with the numbering. 

" Because Halo 4 would make people think of Master Chief and his continuing cannon  "Reach" makes people think of the fall of the planet Reach "

" @DragonBloodthirsty said:

"

Because either option is completely arbitrary anyway?

Why do we not have Halo A, Halo B, Halo C?  Or Alpha, Beta, Gamma?

"

I didn't say I cared. I was just interested why they chose not to. It could be called Halo 6: Anal Flying Fuckers for all I care. "

" @blacklabeldomm said:

" Because Halo 4 would make people think of Master Chief and his continuing cannon  "Reach" makes people think of the fall of the planet Reach "

Or it makes you think of toothbrushes... 

"

Is Master Chief a main character and is this an expansion? 
No it isn't and in the case of MGS3 the series' story didn't "end" yet.

" Because Halo 4 would make people think of Master Chief and his continuing cannon  "Reach" makes people think of the fall of the planet Reach "

" Because it's a prequel, not a continuation of the ongoing canon, which ended in Halo 3. "

They should probably get away from the numbering
system anyway, allows for a more flexible IP.

" Because it's a prequel, not a continuation of the ongoing canon, which ended in Halo 3. "

That question is a little silly to be honest....

It would have been classier if they'd called it H4LO.

I'm pretty sure, based on title screen and title card that Bungie wanted to just call this game Reach. However, as noted in an earlier post, most people wouldn't know what "Reach" is. So Halo was obligatory for the sake of brand recognition. That, and I'm sure it's somewhere in their contract for the game.
 
Anyway, that's why it's not Halo 4.

Halo Reach was the perfect name for the game. 
 
Making suggestions about the name of a game that you have not even played is pretty ignorant.

" Halo Reach was the perfect name for the game.  Making suggestions about the name of a game that you have not even played is pretty ignorant. "

" @big_jon said:

" Halo Reach was the perfect name for the game.  Making suggestions about the name of a game that you have not even played is pretty ignorant. "

Besides, who gives a shit about the plot of an FPS game? "

I think in order to be a numbered sequel you have to have two thing ; 
1. Play as Master chief 
2. And a take place on halos. 
 
Pretty simple I think :)

It's a prequel that's based on a book that shares the same name.

"@big_jon: Not to take sides or whatever, but that's probably not the way to handle the situation, dawg.  "

My guess is that 343 studios is working on something called halo 4 but this game was some sort of a contract fulfillment by bungie.

" That question is a little silly to be honest.... "