Xbox
Xbox cuts 268 jobs as Microsoft restructures studios
Microsoft has laid off 268 employees across Halo Studios and other teams as part of a major reorganization that reshuffles how its gaming divisions report and operate.
1 min readHalo Studios
Latest clearly sourced MAXGG coverage about Halo Studios.
Xbox
Halo 2 Remake Unlikely Following Activision Deal and Halo Studios Layoffs
Xbox's announcement that Activision will develop the next mainline Halo game, with a reduced team at Halo Studios supporting current titles, has cast doubt on a potential Halo 2 remake that was teased in Halo: Campaign Evolved.
1 min read
Game Releases and Announcements
Halo Studios' Next Game Was Years From Release Before Microsoft Canceled It
Microsoft pulled the plug on Halo Studios' next mainline entry due to its distant timeline. The studio faced leadership changes and technical setbacks that delayed progress, according to sources cited by The Verge. Activision now leads Halo's future under
2 min read
Game Releases and Announcements
Halo Fest Confirmed for December 2026 Despite Studio Upheaval
A Halo executive reaffirmed that Halo Fest will proceed as scheduled in Seattle on December 11–13, 2026, marking the franchise's 25th anniversary celebration. The confirmation comes after recent layoffs reduced Halo Studios to approximately 20 developers.
2 min read
Xbox
Microsoft cuts 268 Xbox jobs, restructures studios in major reset
Microsoft's latest round of layoffs reshapes Xbox's first-party structure, moving studios like 343 Industries and Rare to Activision while raising questions about Game Pass viability and the platform's future direction.
3 min read
Xbox
Activision Takes Over Halo After Microsoft Shuts Down Halo Studios
Microsoft has dissolved Halo Studios and handed the franchise to Activision, marking a major shift for a series that struggled to find its footing over the past decade.
3 min read
Gaming Industry and Business
Microsoft shuts down Halo Studios, laying off hundreds as franchise moves to Activision
Former Halo leaders Bonnie Ross and Kiki Wolfkill have expressed dismay over Microsoft's decision to effectively close Halo Studios, leaving only a small support team. One employee was promoted and fired in the same week.
2 min read
Xbox
Halo Studios Reduced to Roughly 20 Staff After Microsoft Layoffs, Sources Claim
Microsoft's September restructuring has left Halo Studios with a skeleton crew as development of future titles moves to Activision, according to pro player reports.
2 min read
Xbox
Xbox Eliminates 268 More Roles as Reorganization Continues Through 2027
Xbox has cut another 268 positions and reshuffled its first-party studios, including merging Playground Games and Turn 10, expanding Activision's role to develop the next Halo, and proposing the closure of Ninja Theory.
2 min read
Xbox
Halo Director Promoted Monday, Laid Off Tuesday in Xbox Studio Restructure
Josh Daniels, a cinematic director at Halo Studios, was promoted on Monday only to be caught in layoffs the following day as Xbox announced the next Halo game will be developed at Activision.
1 min read
Game Releases and Announcements
Halo Announcement Expected Soon, Possible Layoffs Ahead
Windows Central's Jez Corden has hinted at an incoming Xbox announcement regarding the Halo franchise, though details remain unclear. Industry sources suggest the news may involve both positive developments and staff changes.
1 min read
Xbox
Xbox Restructuring Continues With More Changes Ahead, Says Matt Booty
Xbox is roughly three-quarters through its restructuring plan, with more layoffs and studio reorganizations expected through fiscal 2027, according to a September memo from Xbox leadership.
1 min read