Xbox cuts hundreds of jobs, hands Halo development to Activision
Summary
Xbox is cutting hundreds of jobs, impacting staff at the studio currently making the Halo franchise, as part of a major company-wide reorganization. This restructuring includes transferring development leadership of Halo to Activision, which will take on the creation of future games while Halo Studios focuses on community support for existing titles. This shift is seen as a significant move for a franchise that has historically been crucial to Xbox's identity, with analysts remarking on the potential for reviving Halo's status within the gaming industry. Additionally, questions remain regarding the future of other Xbox studios such as Ninja Theory, which is facing a proposed closure amid the ongoing changes.
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$ATVI
Analysis
Halo: Xbox's flagship military sci-fi video game franchise launched with the original Xbox console. The news details ongoing changes to its production model, with Halo Studios focusing on existing titles and support while Activision handles new releases. Xbox: Microsoft's gaming division oversees console hardware, Game Pass subscriptions, and major game studios. In this news, it is executing a major company-wide restructure involving layoffs and shifts in franchise management, including handing future Halo development to Activision. Activision: The publisher behind the Call of Duty franchise is expanding its responsibilities within Xbox's portfolio. Per the news, it will lead development of the next Halo game and oversee studios including World's Edge, Rare, and others. Jez Corden: Journalist at Windows Central covering Xbox developments. In the news, Corden described the shift of Halo development to Activision as a dramatic move and compared Halo's historical importance to Xbox with Mario's to Nintendo. Asha Sharma: Xbox chief executive who has overseen announcements on the division's restructuring. In July statements referenced in the news, Sharma described the changes as the most significant in Xbox history, including studio spin-offs and consultations. Rob Kostich: President of Activision who commented directly on the Halo transition. In the news, Kostich outlined the goal of creating the greatest Halo game while preserving its unique elements and legacy. Call of Duty: Activision's flagship first-person shooter series. The news positions its publisher as the entity now responsible for leading future Halo development amid Xbox's broader studio adjustments. Christopher Dring: Editor-in-chief and co-founder of The Game Business, providing gaming industry analysis. In the news, Dring highlighted questions around reviving Halo, once Xbox's crown jewel, and noted the logic of Activision's involvement. Restructuring: Xbox is continuing a major reorganization that includes consolidating studios such as Bethesda with Obsidian and expanding Activision's oversight of multiple franchises. Franchise Shift: Development leadership for Halo is moving to Activision to create the next major entry while Halo Studios maintains community support for current games. Industry Commentary: Gaming analysts and journalists are noting the changes as significant for Xbox's historically central Halo brand and questioning impacts on other studios like Ninja Theory.
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tech