Halo Studio
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Xbox is reportedly planning three waves of layoffs between now and January as part of its plan to cut 3,200 jobs by the…
Xbox is reportedly planning three more waves of layoffs in November and January 2027 as part of its plan to cut 3,200 jobs by the end of the fiscal year. These cuts have reportedly demoralized employees and led to the separation from several studios, with Ninja Theory at risk of closing. The article also touches on internal projections for the next-gen Xbox and an upcoming Xbox Game Pass overhaul.
Despite Huge Changes For The Series, Halo Fest 2026 Is Going Forward, And News Is Coming Soon
Halo Fest 2026 is proceeding as planned from December 11-13 in Seattle, despite significant layoffs at Halo Studios and the transition of future game development to Activision. Halo Studios director Tashi confirmed that news regarding the event and "relevant game info" for existing titles will be shared this week. The event will celebrate the Halo community and its 25th anniversary, featuring appearances from voice actors Steve Downes and Jen Taylor.
Now that Halo 7 is over at Activision, Halo Studios releases concept art for their version of the FPS, teasing an "ancient, terrible creature" guarded by a timelock
Halo Studios, now a support studio for Activision's Halo development, has released concept art for their envisioned Halo 7. The art teases an "ancient, terrible creature" guarded by timelock technology on Zeta Halo, showcasing a potential direction for the franchise that will not be realized.
As Halo Moves to Activision, Halo Studios Writers Tease What Might Have Been
Halo Studios writers have teased potential future directions for the Master Chief's story following the launch of Halo: Campaign Evolved. This comes amid the recent announcement that Activision will now be overseeing the Halo series, a move that seems to have caused internal reflection at Halo Studios.
Gears of War E-Day Multiplayer Final Impressions – Nice!
The Coalition's Gears of War: E-Day revitalizes the franchise with revamped movement mechanics that feel fresh yet retain the series' signature weight. The multiplayer suite, particularly the new Horde Siege mode, is highlighted as a significant improvement over previous entries, offering dynamic and engaging PvE experiences that echo the success of Helldivers 2. While PvP modes offer classic gameplay with a faster pace, the article suggests that the PvE offerings are the true standout, making E-Day a highly recommended title for both new and returning fans.
Halo Studios says "it is absolutely our intent" to release new Halo book, despite layoffs and a rumored lore reboot from Activision
Halo Studios is determined to release the upcoming Halo novel "Fireteam Noble" despite recent layoffs and a rumored lore reboot affecting the franchise. Franchise writer Alex Wakeford confirmed that significant editorial work has been completed and efforts are underway to ensure the book's completion, while also stating intent to finish the "Burn the Road Home" novella. The future of other Halo projects remains uncertain amidst these behind-the-scenes shakeups.
Halo's new steward Activision reportedly considering rebooting the series, with a team in Sledgehammer Games leading the charge
Activision is reportedly considering a reboot for the Halo series, with a new team at Sledgehammer Games leading the charge. This potential reboot would explore Master Chief's origins and may combine both campaign and multiplayer elements, possibly moving away from Halo Studios' Slipstream engine to the Infinity Ward Engine. The news comes amid major reorganisation and layoffs within Microsoft's Xbox division.
As Xbox swings the axe, Gears of War: E-Day developers fear they'll be laid off straight after launch - and right before they'd be due their bonuses
Developers at The Coalition, the studio behind Gears of War: E-Day, are increasingly fearful of imminent layoffs following recent waves of job cuts at Microsoft and Xbox. The departure of the game's story director has heightened anxiety, particularly concerning potential loss of Metacritic bonuses tied to the game's launch.
Veteran Halo lead has suggestions for how Activision could actually make "the greatest Halo game ever," and they include hiring "Bungie, Halo Studios, and other laid-off folks"
Veteran Halo franchise director Frank O'Connor has proposed three distinct paths for Activision to create a successful Halo game, including a return to classic gameplay, a radical reinvention, or adapting the IP to modern business models. He specifically suggests hiring laid-off developers from Bungie and Halo Studios, noting the talent pool available after recent Microsoft layoffs.
Activision’s Halo Game: Everything We Know So Far
Microsoft is assigning Activision to develop the next mainline Halo game, a move that has resulted in significant layoffs at 343 Industries, now renamed Halo Studios. While the future of the Halo franchise is uncertain, Microsoft aims to revive its popularity, though some industry figures express skepticism about the cost and efficiency of such an endeavor.
Former Halo leaders lament effective closure of Halo Studios, as one employee finds themselves promoted and fired in same week
Microsoft has drastically downsized Halo Studios, leading to significant layoffs and the effective closure of the studio, with major Halo development shifting to Activision. Former leaders Bonnie Ross and Kiki Wolfkill expressed their dismay, while employee Josh Daniels described being promoted and laid off in the same week. The cuts impact hundreds of employees across various roles, with only a small support team remaining at Halo Studios.
Gears Of War: E-Day story director laid off as Halo Studios is reduced to scraps
Xbox Game Studios has implemented significant layoffs, impacting multiple first-party studios including Halo Studios and The Coalition. The story director for Gears Of War: E-Day, Juan Vaca, was laid off from The Coalition, while Halo Studios' cinematic director, Josh Daniels, experienced a promotion and layoff in the same week, with the studio reportedly reduced to a skeleton crew. These cuts are part of a larger restructuring effort by Microsoft, affecting other developers like Undead Labs and Double Fine Productions.
Gears of War: E-Day director laid off days after completing development as Xbox cuts reach The Coalition
Juan Vaca, the story director for the upcoming Gears of War: E-Day, has been laid off by Microsoft as part of its ongoing job cuts. This news comes just days after Vaca celebrated the game going gold, and it follows a larger wave of redundancies across Xbox studios, including Halo Studios. The reasons for Vaca's dismissal, particularly so close to the game's October 2026 release, remain unclear.
Evening Reading - September 22, 2026
Xbox has confirmed significant layoffs affecting 268 employees across Halo Studios, Xbox Game Studios, and more. This restructuring includes the next Halo game being developed by Activision, and the merger of Turn 10 and Playground Games. Additionally, Obsidian Entertainment and Rage/World's Edge will now report under Bethesda and Activision respectively.
Halo Studios didn't have the chance to launch even one original title before Xbox decided to let Call of Duty…
Microsoft has shut down Halo Studios (formerly 343 Industries) after 268 layoffs, with the Halo franchise now being transferred to Activision. The studio never launched an original title, only a remake of Halo: Campaign Evolved, before its closure. This move is part of broader restructuring within Xbox Game Studios, which has seen significant cuts across multiple developers.
"Good luck today, Halo friends": After years of rivalry, Call of Duty's creators have taken charge of Xbox's defining FPS series amid yet more layoffs
Microsoft has significantly restructured its Xbox gaming division, placing the Halo franchise under Activision's development leadership while demoting Halo Studios to a support role. This move is accompanied by substantial layoffs affecting 268 employees across various first-party studios, including Halo Studios. The article highlights the historical rivalry between Halo and Call of Duty and expresses concern for the affected employees.
Xbox confirms layoffs of 268 across Halo Studios, Xbox Game Studios & more
Xbox has announced significant layoffs, impacting 268 positions across various first-party studios including Halo Studios and Xbox Game Studios. The company is also beginning consultations for the potential closure of Ninja Theory, developer of the Hellblade series. These changes are part of broader organizational restructuring that will see studios like Turn 10 and Playground Games merged.
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.
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.
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.
