Activision
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Xbox lays off 268 more employees, merges Obsidian into Bethesda, and puts Activision in charge of Halo
Xbox has announced another round of layoffs, cutting 268 employees and reorganizing several studios. Activision will now oversee the development of the next Halo game, while Obsidian Entertainment is being merged into Bethesda. Other studios like Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios are also being formally merged.
Xbox lay off 268 people as Activision take over Halo and Rare, while Obsidian become part of Bethesda, plus Forza and Fable studios merge
Xbox has announced further layoffs, cutting 268 jobs and restructuring several studios. Activision is taking over the Halo franchise, while Rare and World's Edge are folded under its umbrella. Obsidian Entertainment is now part of Bethesda, and Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios have merged. Ninja Theory is facing potential closure, and the future of Arkane Studios remains uncertain.
Activision tar över Halo och Bethesda börjar bossa över Obsidian
Microsoft has announced a significant restructuring of its gaming division, including the closure of Ninja Theory and the merger of Playground Games with Turn 10 Studios. Activision will take over development of the Halo series, while Bethesda Softworks will oversee Obsidian Entertainment. This follows recent layoffs and studio departures within Xbox.
Activision prepares to "make the greatest Halo game ever" as it takes control of the franchise from Halo…
Xbox has announced a significant restructuring of its first-party studios, transferring stewardship of the Halo franchise from 343 Industries to Activision Blizzard. Rare and World's Edge will also operate under Activision Blizzard, impacting franchises like Sea of Thieves and Age of Empires. This move involves substantial layoffs and a new team being assembled to develop the next Halo game, with a stated goal to "make the greatest Halo game ever."
All The Major Xbox Changes Microsoft Announced Today: Layoffs, Halo Goes To Activision, And Lots More
Microsoft announced significant restructuring within its Xbox division, including 268 layoffs affecting various first-party studios like Halo Studios. Activision will now develop the next Halo game, while Bethesda expands to oversee Obsidian Entertainment. Several studios face potential closure or consolidation, such as Ninja Theory and the merging of Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios.
Next major Halo game being developed by Activision, as Halo Studios all but closes as part of Microsoft's Xbox restructuring
Microsoft has significantly restructured its Xbox division, leading to the closure of Halo Studios and the reduction of its staff. Development of the next mainline Halo game has been handed over to Activision, which will create a new team separate from Call of Duty for the project. This move is part of broader layoffs and studio consolidations within Microsoft.
Xbox transfers Rare and Halo franchise to Activision, proposes closure of Ninja Theory and confirms another 268 roles cut amid studio restructure
Xbox has announced a significant restructuring, transferring Rare and the Halo franchise to Activision, and proposing the closure of Ninja Theory. The company also confirmed 268 roles have been cut across various studios, including Halo Studios (formerly 343 Industries). Other studios like Obsidian Entertainment have been transferred to Bethesda, while Undead Labs will continue to develop State of Decay 3 with a new publisher.
Halo’s Next Game Is Coming From An Unexpected Developer: Activision
Microsoft has announced that Activision will develop the next Halo game, establishing a new team for the franchise while a smaller team at Halo Studios continues to support existing titles. This change coincides with significant layoffs impacting Halo Studios and other Xbox developers, as part of a broader reorganization under Bethesda and Activision Blizzard.
Handing Halo to Activision Makes Business Sense, but Is That Enough To Save the Series?
The article questions whether handing the development of the next Halo game to Activision, known for its Call of Duty pipeline, is sufficient to revitalize the franchise. It suggests that while the business decision might make sense, it doesn't guarantee the series' success.
CONFIRMED: Microsoft Hands Halo to Call of Duty Developer Activision as Part of Huge Xbox Studios Shakeup
Microsoft has confirmed that Activision will develop the next mainline Halo game, following significant layoffs and a major restructure of its Xbox Studios. This decision shifts the development of the iconic franchise away from its original studio.
Continuing Our Reset
Xbox is undergoing a significant restructuring, eliminating 268 roles across its first-party studios and management. The company is also reorganizing its studios, with Activision taking on new responsibilities and developing the next Halo title, while Bethesda will now oversee Obsidian. Several studios are being divested, though plans for Ninja Theory and Arkane are still being determined.
Xbox reportedly set to lay off hundreds more staff and "consolidate" several game studios in second round of major cuts this year
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly preparing for a second wave of significant layoffs, with hundreds of employees expected to be affected. The company is also rumored to be consolidating several of its game studios, including those under Bethesda, Activision, and Blizzard. This follows earlier cuts in July and a shift in focus towards established franchises.
Activision’s Halo Title is a “Full-Feature, Mainline Installment” – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Activision is developing a "full-feature, mainline installment" for the Halo franchise, rather than a remake. This new title aims to be the "greatest Halo game ever" and may remain a console exclusive for Xbox.
Halo Studios Eliminates 268 Roles, Activision Working on Next Halo Amid Xbox’s Reorganization
Xbox has confirmed significant layoffs and studio reorganizations, with 268 roles eliminated at Halo Studios. Activision is now developing the next Halo title with a new team, while Halo Studios will maintain a small support team. Other studios like World's Edge, Rare, Obsidian, Playground Games, Turn 10 Studios, and King have also been affected by the restructuring.
New Halo Announcement is Coming Soon – Rumor
Rumors suggest Xbox is preparing a significant announcement regarding the Halo franchise soon, with industry insiders hinting at future plans. However, reports also indicate recent title Halo: Campaign Evolved underperformed expectations, and potential layoffs at Halo Studios could be part of the news, creating mixed reactions.
Activision’s Goal is to “Make the Greatest Halo Game Ever,” Says President
Activision will now develop the next Halo game following significant layoffs at Xbox's Halo Studios. Activision president Rob Kostich stated the company's goal is to "make the greatest Halo game ever." The article notes the troubled legacy of the franchise under 343 Industries, citing issues with Halo 4, Halo 5: Guardians, and Halo Infinite.
Wolverine Dev Denies Using GenAI After Weird-Looking In-Game Sign Discovered
Insomniac Games has denied using generative AI for assets in Marvel's Wolverine following the discovery of a peculiar in-game bathroom sign. Community and marketing director James Stevenson clarified it was a "UV map bug" with a fix in development. While Insomniac used machine-learning for Spider-Man 2, AI-generated assets are reportedly not being used in Wolverine.
Activision cites data claiming cheating in games is an $8.5bn industry; 69% of online multiplayer studios consider cheating "a significant or very significant problem"
Activision reports that cheating in video games has become an $8.5 billion industry, with cheat developers earning billions annually. A survey indicates 69% of online multiplayer studios consider cheating a significant problem, leading to decreased player retention and revenue loss. Companies like Anybrain are developing multi-faceted security solutions to combat this evolving threat.
Call of Duty maker Activision claims video game cheating is now a £6.3 billion ($8.5 billion) a year industry
Activision claims the video game cheating industry generates approximately $8.5 billion annually through account sales, boosting, and spoofing services. The company's RICOCHET Anti-Cheat team is actively pursuing legal action against cheat sellers, disrupting operations and increasing costs for cheaters.
Weekend Discussion - September 19, 2026
This Weekend Discussion article from September 19, 2026, touches on various topics including the game Road Runner's Death Valley Rally, a potentially game-breaking experience for the Angry Video Game Nerd, and a segment on language evolution. It also features musical recommendations and encourages reader engagement via Shacknews Chatty and Discord.
