Activision to Develop Next Major Halo Game Amid Xbox Restructuring
Microsoft has transferred the development of the next mainline Halo game to Activision, as Halo Studios faces significant downsizing. This decision comes as part of a broader restructuring within Xbox, resulting in job cuts and studio consolidations.
Major Changes for Halo Development
Halo Studios, previously known as 343 Industries, will not be developing the next mainline Halo game due to drastic reductions in its size. Microsoft has assigned this responsibility to Activision, which is creating a new team specifically for this project, separate from its Call of Duty operations.
In a statement, Xbox Studios head Matt Booty announced the elimination of 268 roles across Halo Studios and other first-party studios. A small team will remain at Halo Studios to support the existing Halo community and ongoing game services. Booty emphasized the shift in development focus as part of Microsoft's restructuring efforts, which have led to significant layoffs and the closure of some studios.
Activision's president, Rob Kostich, expressed excitement about the transition, stating, "It's an honor and a responsibility that we do not take lightly." He noted that the goal for the new Halo title is to create the greatest game possible while honoring the franchise's legacy. The initiative involves assembling a team with unique capabilities to deliver this next chapter in collaboration with the community.
This significant shift marks a departure from the long-standing management of the Halo series by Halo Studios, which has overseen several key titles since Bungie's independence in 2007. The studio has developed mainline games including Halo 4, Halo 5: Guardians, and Halo Infinite, and has played a role in various other Halo projects. The move signals a new direction for the franchise as it adapts to the evolving landscape of game development under Microsoft.