Halo franchise shifts to Activision as Microsoft cuts Halo Studios down to a skeleton crew

Microsoft has drastically reduced Halo Studios, the team formed specifically for new Halo games, and transferred control of the franchise to Activision. The author, a fan of both Halo and Call of Duty, is skeptical about the pairing, especially after Halo Infinite and the recent remake showed promise. The move is described as drastic and a major shift for the series.

Microsoft's restructuring, dubbed the Xbox Reset, has reduced Halo Studios to a skeleton crew following another wave of layoffs. The studio, renamed specifically to develop new Halo entries, will now oversee the franchise in an undefined capacity while Activision takes creative control. Activision president Rob Kostich has pledged to assemble a purpose-built team to deliver the next chapter.

Halo Studios' recent output showed promise despite a troubled history. Halo Infinite matured into a respected multiplayer experience, and Halo: Campaign Evolved was praised as the team's strongest effort. However, the studio struggled with long development gaps, uneven campaigns, and chasing multiplayer trends that gave each release an identity crisis. Activision's steady release cadence may address those timing problems.