PrimeWire

Depending on the specific actor(s) and length of the cgi scene with integration for live motion capture and editing/compositing, you are probably 9 times outta 10 correct. But I don’t think this is why there’s a lot more conversation (dialogue) and character development in this series, so far this season… thb though, I don’t know for sure since I haven’t researched it, I only have my speculation or guesses. I’d hazard some guesses as:

• not everyone has played the game or seen prior movies/shorts of this story and its variants. So some detail and character development helps them understand the characters better, understand what’s going on in the story and really connect with this game/universe. Not to mention, if you haven’t played it in a long time and have forgotten some, it’s a great refresher of small details. (I haven’t played it in so long it is quite sad honestly lol I miss playing it.)
• the game had/has quite a following and those who’ve played it have seen plenty of action and will see more in the show again soon I’m sure. But also since this ventures away from the halo cannon, helps draw the viewers in for this newish storyline and how the characters may differ from the og game and many games in the series/franchise.
• If the whole show was nonstop action, the ratings imo would be far less, since not everyone likes nonstop shoot em up. I do like a lot of action (even the nonstop shoot em up ones) and I like a lot of drama too (mostly about the people, dialogue is key, kinda shows.) Then again I love stories, tv, movies, etc in general so lol But anyways, so far (only s2ep2) this show seems to marry the two genres decently well. There is a decent amount of both Imo.

Long as heck reply, but guess I’m trying to defend the show bc I like it so much LOL 😆🤣
The cost of course is a major factor lol … And having mostly cgi integrated action scenes, like you you said prolly really isn’t cost effective. But I just want to point out that there are likely lots of reasons why and that I don’t think it detracts from the show in any way… at least thus far. Says “Hands up for halo!” with a huge grin like the dork I am 🤣 https://youtu.be/0jXTBAGv9ZQ?si=UU-2gQu_3kzhcoeQ - halo theme song original