Halo
News, coverage and analysis tracking Halo across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Jason Jones, Co-Creator of Halo and Destiny and Co-Founder of Bungie, Announces New Studio
Jason Jones, a co-founder of Bungie and co-creator of Halo and Destiny, has launched a new studio named Stone Kite. The studio will explore various entertainment mediums, with its first project being a limited-series comic book titled One Zero One, based on a manuscript written by Jones.
Resident Evil Director’s Next Movie Is Called The Flood But It’s Not About Halo, Adds Jennifer Lawrence
Director Zach Cregger, known for the Resident Evil movie, is developing a new sci-fi film titled The Flood, starring Jennifer Lawrence. The movie, set in deep space and described as 'very Alien-esque,' will involve a ship captain investigating a strange signal that leads to an alien artifact warping reality. Cregger is re-teaming with Warner Bros./New Line for this project, which is separate from any Halo franchise.
"Xbox is not for sale" despite all of the layoffs and neat repackaging of studios within Microsoft's corporate structure, CEO Asha Sharma says
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has denied any plans to sell the gaming division, despite recent layoffs and studio restructuring. While reports suggested Microsoft executives considered spinning out Xbox, Sharma stated the company is committed to its success and will pursue necessary partnerships and operating models. The article notes the human cost of the layoffs and mentions ongoing boycotts against Microsoft.
Xbox is “Not For Sale”, Will Take Long-Term View With Microsoft, Says CEO
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has stated that the division is not for sale, despite recent layoffs and studio divestments. Sharma acknowledged that Xbox has a long way to go with Microsoft and will take a long-term view for growth. The company is restructuring, consolidating studios, and divesting some, while also discussing the future of Arkane Lyon and merging teams like Turn 10 Studios with Playground Games.
Former Halo lead suggests three ways Activision could revive the legendary series, and urges the company to hire laid off Bungie staff
Former Halo franchise director Frank O'Connor has proposed three potential paths for Activision to revive the Halo series, including hiring laid-off developers from Bungie and Halo Studios. His suggestions range from creating a classic-style Halo to a complete reinvention or a Call of Duty-like annual release model.
"Xbox is not for sale," says CEO despite rumors: "We will do whatever it takes to set the company up for…
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has firmly stated that the company is not for sale, despite ongoing rumors fueled by recent layoffs and studio closures. Sharma emphasized a commitment to partnerships and operating models to ensure Xbox's success and profitability within Microsoft, acknowledging a long road ahead.
"Xbox is not for sale": CEO Asha Sharma says "we will do whatever it takes" to turn the console maker's fortunes around
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has stated that the company is not for sale, despite significant internal restructuring and studio layoffs. She affirmed a commitment to doing "whatever it takes" to ensure Xbox's success. Separately, Rockstar Games detailed advancements in Grand Theft Auto 6's weather system, promising dynamic cloudscapes and localized, persistent weather effects.
Xbox CEO Insists It’s Not For Sale Amid Studio Closures, Layoffs
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has stated that the Xbox division is not for sale, despite recent analyst predictions and significant studio closures and layoffs. Sharma emphasized a commitment to finding the right partnerships and operating model for success, even as Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella praised the recent 'streamlining' efforts within the division.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma insists "Xbox is not for sale"
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has stated that the Xbox division is not for sale, pushing back against speculation of a potential spin-off from Microsoft. This comes amid significant restructuring, including staff cuts, studio closures, and the transfer of franchises like Halo. Game Pass has also reportedly missed subscriber targets.
Activision Should Hire Former Halo Devs For Next Mainline Game, Former Franchise Director Says
Former Halo franchise creative director Frank O’Connor has advised Activision Blizzard on how to improve the next mainline Halo game. He suggests focusing on sandbox gameplay, avoiding ties to hardware launches, and potentially hiring former developers from Bungie and other laid-off studios. O'Connor also proposed new directions for the franchise, including an action-sandbox game or an action RPG.
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.
Halo's Former Franchise Creative Director Sees 3 Possible Paths for Activision's Halo
Former Halo Franchise Creative Director Frank O'Connor has outlined three potential future directions for the Halo franchise under Activision's ownership. O'Connor, who spent nearly 20 years at 343 Industries, shared his thoughts on how Xbox's once flagship series could move forward.
PHYSINT Reportedly Alters Budgets Following Xbox Switch
Reports suggest that Hideo Kojima's new Xbox game, Physint, has a significantly smaller budget than initially rumored, potentially around $150 million, compared to the $400 million figure speculated for Sony's involvement. This comes amid Xbox's efforts to improve its image and Sony's struggles with live-service titles, with sources indicating Physint is behind schedule.
Evening Reading - September 28, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers various game reviews and previews, including The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered, Minecraft Dungeons 2, and Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve. The article also touches on the state of retro gaming, the increasing involvement of AI in various fields, and the importance of art style in Halo.
Xbox is in the midst of a "reverse acquisition," analyst says, with Activision "best equipped to run the…
An industry analyst describes Microsoft's recent restructuring of Xbox Game Studios as a 'reverse acquisition,' suggesting that Activision Blizzard, acquired for $69 billion, is now better equipped to manage Microsoft's own studios. This shift involves significant layoffs and the merging of several studios, including placing the Halo franchise under Activision Blizzard's purview.
Activision’s Halo Could Reboot the Franchise – Rumor
Rumors suggest Activision may be rebooting the Halo franchise, with Xbox reportedly shifting Halo Studios to a support role. While a remake is unlikely, the next installment is expected to be a mainline entry, though details remain scarce. Some fans are skeptical due to the extensive lore, especially after disappointing turns since Halo 5: Guardians.
Microsoft CEO Says “Streamlining” by Xbox Team is “Great to See” in the Wake of Layoffs
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expressed confidence in Xbox's intellectual property and future game development despite recent restructuring and significant layoffs. He praised Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's streamlining efforts and reiterated the goal of sustainable business models for broader game accessibility. However, the division faces challenges including declining hardware revenue and pressure to deliver successful exclusives.
Microsoft CEO says Xbox's "streamlining" is "great to see" despite cuts and layoffs
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expressed optimism about Xbox's future and praised ongoing "streamlining" efforts led by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, despite recent significant layoffs and studio closures. Nadella stated his confidence in Xbox's intellectual property and its ability to produce great games, while emphasizing the need for sustainable business models to reach more players.
What insiders say Halo Studios was up to before losing Halo: 'The next Halo game was years away'
Following significant layoffs at 343 Industries, insiders report that the next mainline Halo game was years away and no titles were in full production. While work was underway on remakes and potential spinoffs, Microsoft has passed the series' future development to Activision, which is building a new studio dedicated to Halo.
"An Xbox that's only good for launching Steam is like subsidizing Valve's cash register": Ground-zero Xbox veteran says Microsoft needs to pick a lane before Project Helix hits a wall
Former Xbox veteran Jon Kimmich argues that Microsoft must choose between investing in the Xbox platform as a console-centric ecosystem or focusing solely on publishing games across multiple platforms. He criticizes the current 'play anywhere' strategy for diluting the Xbox brand and suggests that the upcoming Project Helix console needs a clear identity beyond simply launching PC games like Steam.
