There's lots more story to tell about the game's Covenant characters.

Halo Wars screenshot

One notable absence from Ensemble's forthcoming Halo Wars is a full Covenant campaign - but things might have been different if the developer had had more time.

"We always have tonnes and tonnes of ideas," explained producer Brian Lemon, speaking to VideoGamer.com last week. "We throw everything in, and then we separate out what we want to do with the game. If we'd have had more time, we'd have loved to do [it], flesh out more of the Covenant.

"I mean, Bungie's done a really great job of fleshing out what's going on the Covenant side. The Halo Bible is very clear about what we do with the Covenant, but our specific characters aren't in that Bible, so there is a lot more story to tell with those guys. So it's just time."

Lemon also said that Ensemble had already spent four to four and a half years on the game, and added that he "would go crazy" if he spent another year on the title.

While they will not have their own campaign, the Covenant will be playable in Halo Wars' skirmish and multiplayer modes. The Flood are also set to appear in the game, although Ensemble has confirmed that they will not be playable.