Microsoft Cuts Hundreds More Jobs, Shifts Next ‘Halo’ Game to Activision in Xbox Overhaul
The company says the reset is about three-quarters complete as it consolidates studios to strengthen franchises and focus publishing expertise.
- On Tuesday, Xbox announced the elimination of 268 roles across Halo Studios, other first-party studios, and XGS management as part of a previously announced organizational "reset" that chief content officer Matt Booty says is nearing completion.
- The company aims to reduce total staff size by 3,200 as part of ongoing restructuring; Xbox divested studios including Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Undead Labs, which will release State of Decay 3 on Game Pass.
- Activision will develop the next Halo title using a new, purpose-built team, while Halo Studios retains a small staff to support existing games. Activision president Rob Kostich said the goal is to make the "greatest Halo game ever."
- Xbox is consolidating operations to "strengthen our franchises and games by operating fewer business units, aligning groups that already work closely together," per Booty; Activision will oversee World's Edge and Rare, while Playground and Turn 10 merge to focus on Forza and Fable.
- Following failed divestiture agreements, Ninja Theory is entering consultation alongside Arkane, with both studios expected to complete the process through year-end. Xbox plans an ALL-XBOX town hall on October 6 to reflect on progress and discuss upcoming game lineups.
126 Articles
126 Articles
Layoffs in the gaming industry are a major concern, even for Microsoft, a company with a huge scale.
Next Halo game to be made by Call of Duty makers as Microsoft lays off 268 employees: What we know
In a significant shake-up, Microsoft has let go of 268 employees from its gaming division, paving the way for Activision to spearhead the upcoming mainline Halo title for Xbox. Studios like Rare and World's Edge will now align under Activision, while Bethesda's Obsidian faces a transition to another studio amid shifting Fallout game plans. Additionally, plans to close Ninja Theory could hinder future titles.
Xbox Continues “Reset” With Additional Layoffs And Restructuring
Microsoft’s Xbox is continuing what it calls a “reset,” announcing more layoffs and restructuring as it adjusts to a changing operating environment. Chief Content Officer Max Booty told employees in a memo Tuesday that the company would be eliminating 268 roles across Halo Studios, and in other areas including first-party studios. The company cut 3,200 […]
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