Halo
News, coverage and analysis tracking Halo across the outlets.
Latest coverage
The Xbox reset doesn't have an end date | Opinion
The ongoing Xbox business reset, initiated by CEO Asha Sharma, has extended far beyond its initial 100-day target with no clear end date or vision. The extensive layoffs and studio closures, including the likely shuttering of Ninja Theory, have created an atmosphere of instability and uncertainty, raising questions about Microsoft's long-term strategy for the Xbox brand.
Xbox is in freefall but all one exec can talk about is GTA 6 pre-orders
Xbox is facing significant challenges, including thousands of layoffs, poor Xbox Series X/S sales, and a failed pivot to Game Pass. Amidst this turmoil, an Xbox executive's focus on Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders on the platform has drawn criticism, especially as pre-orders are reportedly skewed towards PlayStation 5. The company is undergoing a major 'reset' which includes studio mergers and a shift for the Halo IP.
The Next Halo Game From Halo Studios Was Reportedly Still Years Away, Before Microsoft Handed the Franchise to Activision
The next installment in the Halo franchise, developed by Halo Studios, was reportedly years away from release before Microsoft canceled the project. Microsoft subsequently handed the franchise over to Activision Blizzard.
State of Decay 3 Studio Was Going to Be Acquired by Splash Damage Before Deal Fell Through – Rumor
Xbox is reportedly divesting four studios, including Undead Labs, developer of State of Decay 3. A rumored acquisition of Undead Labs by Splash Damage fell through, as did potential deals for Ninja Theory. These moves are part of a larger business "reset" by Xbox, which has also involved significant layoffs and studio reorganizations.
Halo Studios Was “Years Away” From Shipping A New Halo Game
343 Industries has been demoted to supporting existing Halo titles, with Activision now reportedly preparing a new installment in the franchise. This shift raises concerns about the future direction and development of new Halo games, as the studio was reportedly years away from shipping a new title.
Activision’s Halo Must Go Beyond Bungie
Xbox has struggled to recapture the magic of the Halo series for 15 years since Bungie's departure. The article argues that Activision's next Halo game needs a significant reimagining, drawing parallels to the successful reboot of Doom (2016).
Xbox's version of PlayStation's Platinum Trophy achievement seems to leak, and it's got a sound-effect that's 15 seconds long
Microsoft appears to be introducing a "Mythic Achievement" for Xbox, similar to PlayStation's Platinum Trophy, which is reportedly retroactive and worth zero Gamerscore. This comes amidst significant restructuring within Xbox, including the effective closure of Halo Studios and job losses across multiple development teams like Ninja Theory and World's Edge.
Activisions Halo-spel sägs inte bli en spinoff
Activision is reportedly forming a dedicated team to develop the next full installment in the Halo series, rather than a spinoff. This comes as 343 Industries is being shifted to a maintenance role for existing Halo titles, leading to uncertainty about their future. Activision's CEO, Rob Kostich, stated their goal is to create the best Halo game ever.
Microsoft files patent for "ad-credit" system to show ads on PC and Xbox without disrupting gameplay
Microsoft has filed a patent for an "ad-credit" system that would display advertisements during PC and Xbox gameplay by pausing the game during natural breaks like loading screens. Players would earn credits for ad-free playtime after viewing ads. This follows earlier reports of Xbox considering ads for cloud gaming and recent tests of ad-supported streaming sessions.
Bethesda försäkrar att Obsidian ska få behålla sin identitet
Bethesda has assured employees of Obsidian Entertainment that the studio will retain its distinct creative identity and operate as a separate team following its acquisition by Xbox. Bethesda Game Studios will continue to lead the Fallout franchise, with both studios collaborating on a new Fallout project.
Halo Fans Are Divided Over Whether Activision Should Reboot the Series and Start Fresh
Halo fans are divided on whether Activision should reboot the franchise entirely or continue Master Chief's existing storyline. The discussion highlights differing opinions on the future direction of the series.
Halo needed to change, but Activision faces a huge challenge to fix it
Microsoft has transferred control of the Halo franchise from 343 Industries to Activision, a move met with skepticism due to Activision's track record with Call of Duty. While 343 Industries had successes like Halo Infinite's multiplayer and art direction, they struggled with campaign storytelling and consistent releases. The author questions Activision's ability to preserve Halo's unique identity while attempting to revitalize its relevance in the current shooter landscape.
Halo Stopped Being Relevant A Long Time Ago
The Halo franchise has been irrelevant for longer than it was ever popular, with its peak relevance ending around 2010. The departure of Bungie and subsequent games imitating trends rather than defining them, such as Halo 4's loadouts and Halo 5's MOBA-like Warzone mode, contributed to its decline. Despite attempts at innovation like Halo Infinite's open-world campaign and battle pass, the series has failed to recapture its former glory and is now seen as a victim of poor management and trend-chasing.
Bethesda boss confirms Obsidian will remain a "distinct" team
Bethesda boss Jill Braff confirmed that Obsidian Entertainment will remain a distinct studio with its existing leadership following Xbox's recent studio reorganisation. This move places Obsidian under Bethesda's reporting structure, though its creative identity and strengths will be preserved. The teams will continue to collaborate on new Fallout projects.
As Halo goes to Activision, fans are worried about this year's Halo Fest and a potential lore reboot from the Call of Duty publisher
Activision is set to develop the next Halo game, a move that has sparked significant concern among fans regarding potential lore reboots and the future of the franchise. This development follows widespread layoffs at Xbox Game Studios, including within the Halo development teams, leading to uncertainty about events like Halo Fest and the overall direction of the series.
Xbox Cuts Several Studios & Staff in Restructuring
Xbox is undergoing a significant restructuring, involving the elimination of 268 roles and the reorganization of several first-party studios. Activision will now oversee the next Halo game, while Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios will merge. Bethesda is absorbing Obsidian Entertainment, and Ninja Theory faces a proposed closure. These changes aim to reduce organizational complexity and concentrate resources on key franchises.
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.
Age of Empires developer World's Edge hit with layoffs following move to Activision
The Age of Empires developer World's Edge has been significantly impacted by layoffs following its transition to Activision, with "just under half" of its employees affected. Former creative director Adam Isgreen was among those let go, expressing disappointment about the outcome of his 16-year tenure. This restructuring also saw 268 positions eliminated across various Xbox studios, leading to the closure of Ninja Theory and the independence of Undead Labs.
Gears of War: E-Day Story Director Laid Off Just Before Launch
Juan Vaca, the story director for Gears of War: E-Day, was laid off from The Coalition as part of recent Xbox job cuts. Vaca announced his departure after the game reached its gold milestone, stating he is seeking new opportunities. This follows a larger wave of layoffs impacting Xbox Game Studios, with further cuts expected at Blizzard.
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.
