Halo
News, coverage and analysis tracking Halo across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Halo Co-Creator Reacts To Franchise Moving To Activision: “Shocked But Not Entirely Surprised”
Halo co-creator Marcus Lehto expressed shock but not surprise regarding the franchise's move to Activision following Microsoft's restructuring of its Xbox studios. Lehto, who was affected by layoffs at Halo Studios, wished well to the developers impacted by the decision. Activision will form a new team for Halo, while Halo Studios will focus on supporting existing titles and the community.
Halo Studios cinematic director promoted, then laid off in the same week
Xbox cinematic director Josh Daniels was promoted and then laid off in the same week as part of Microsoft's ongoing series of layoffs affecting 1,600 employees. This situation highlights the current instability within the video game industry, where even promotions do not guarantee job security.
Xbox lays off Gears of War: E-Day's story director barely two weeks before the game's launch
Xbox has conducted significant layoffs, impacting the story director of the upcoming Gears of War: E-Day, Juan Vaca, just weeks before its October 6th release. This news comes amidst broader restructuring within Xbox, affecting studios like Rare, World's Edge, Playground Games, Turn 10 Studios, Obsidian Entertainment, and 343 Industries, with Ninja Theory reportedly heading towards closure.
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.
Xbox is Avoiding its Layoff Target of 1,600 More Cuts by End of Fiscal Year – Rumor
A report suggests Xbox will miss its target of 1,600 layoffs by restructuring divisions and divesting studios instead. Companies like Double Fine, Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, and Compulsion Games are becoming independent or being sold. This comes after 268 roles were eliminated, with further consolidation and potential studio closures, including Ninja Theory, being discussed.
What the Hell is Going on With Halo and Xbox?
Xbox Game Studios has announced significant layoffs at Halo Studios, formerly 343 Industries, with 268 roles eliminated. A smaller team will continue to support existing Halo titles, while a new, separate team under Activision will develop the next mainline Halo installment. This move is part of a broader strategy to accelerate franchise output and streamline development, though it has led to widespread criticism regarding job security and studio management.
Does Microsoft really want to save Xbox or have they already given up?
Microsoft's recent wave of job cuts within Xbox, affecting hundreds of developers, raises serious questions about the company's commitment to its gaming division. The article suggests these layoffs, coupled with studio restructuring and a lack of clear hardware strategy, indicate a potential winding down of Xbox's ambitions, possibly leading to its eventual sale as a third-party publisher.
Xbox lays off more jobs and consolidates its studios in massive restructure
Xbox announced further layoffs, cutting 268 jobs and significantly restructuring its studios. Key developers like Bethesda and Activision will expand their remits, while Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios will merge. A dedicated team within Activision will now develop the next Halo game, and the futures of Ninja Theory and Arkane Studios remain uncertain.
Halo cinematic director "promoted and laid off in the same week" as Microsoft continues sweeping Xbox layoffs
Microsoft continues its significant layoffs across Xbox, impacting studios like Halo Studios, Ninja Theory, and Arkane. Former Halo Studios cinematic director Josh Daniels reported being promoted and laid off in the same week. Xbox CCO Matt Booty stated these cuts are part of a larger restructuring plan that will eliminate 3,200 employees in total.
Halo Studios Cinematic Director Promoted and Laid Off Within the Same Week as Xbox's Brutal Restructuring Continues
Josh Daniels, cinematic director at 343 Industries, was promoted and then laid off within the same week as part of Xbox's significant restructuring. This comes as Activision is reportedly taking over the next Halo game.
Rare & World's Edge will now report to Activision following Xbox layoffs
Following recent Xbox layoffs, developers Rare and World's Edge will now report to Activision. This change impacts the studios behind franchises like Sea of Thieves and Age of Empires, with Activision also overseeing the next Halo game. The future for these studios appears uncertain amidst ongoing restructuring.
Halo Fans Can't Decide if Activision Takeover Is a Good Thing or Not
Halo fans are divided over Activision's involvement in the creation of the next Halo game. The news has sparked debate within the community regarding the potential impact of the Call of Duty developer taking over the franchise.
After Microsoft's latest bloodbath, former Blizzard president Mike Ybarra offers "props to Xbox" for dismantling Halo Studios: "The best decision to reset Halo"
Following significant layoffs at Microsoft's Xbox division, former Blizzard president Mike Ybarra praised the company's decision to move the Halo intellectual property to Activision, calling it a positive reset for the franchise. The article notes that hundreds of Xbox employees were laid off, and Halo Studios has been reduced to a small support team as Activision takes over future Halo game development.
What Is Xbox Game Studios At This Point?
Recent changes and layoffs within Xbox have led to a significant restructuring of its studios, questioning the identity and purpose of the 'Xbox Game Studios' brand. With only four studios remaining under its direct banner and others absorbed into Bethesda or Activision Blizzard, the publisher's internal structure has become complex and its future branding uncertain.
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.
Xbox Layoffs Are Not Done Yet
Microsoft has announced an additional 268 layoffs within its Xbox division as part of a broader business reset. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma cited factors like underperforming Game Pass investments and industry hardware crises for the restructuring. Further staff reductions are expected as the company continues its overhaul.
Activision’s Halo Game To Be A “Full-feature mainline installment”
Activision is taking the lead on the next mainline Halo game, with Halo Studios providing support. The article notes that the future of Halo remakes is now uncertain due to this development.
Call Of Duty creators Activision to make next Halo game as Xbox confirm layoffs
Microsoft has confirmed significant layoffs and studio restructuring within its Xbox division, including the closure of Ninja Theory. Activision will now develop the next Halo game, while 343 Industries will focus on supporting existing titles. This move comes amidst broader industry trends of layoffs and consolidation, with other studios like Rare and Bethesda also undergoing shifts in oversight.
Activision will develop the next Halo game
Xbox has restructured its Halo studios, rebranding 343 Industries as Halo Studios and pivoting its focus to community support. Activision will now develop the next Halo title. This change accompanies significant layoffs within Xbox's gaming divisions.
Activision Is Making The Next Halo Game, Halo Studios Shifts To Support Role
Activision is now in charge of developing the next Halo game, with Halo Studios being reduced to a support role. This significant shake-up by Microsoft also involves job losses and major changes for the franchise.