eurogamer.net
Sep 23, 2026
Former Halo leaders lament effective closure of Halo Studios, as one employee finds themselves promoted and fired in same week
AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication
Microsoft announced a sweeping reduction of its Xbox Game Studios, cutting 268 positions across several first‑party studios, including Halo Studios. The move effectively shuttered Halo Studios, leaving only a small support team, while future Halo development will shift to a dedicated team under Activision. Former Halo leaders Bonnie Ross and Kiki Wolfkill publicly expressed support for the displaced employees, highlighting the breadth of talent lost. One former employee, Josh Daniels, noted being promoted and then laid off within the same week.
💡 Why It Matters
- · The abrupt closure signals a strategic pivot in Microsoft’s gaming portfolio, potentially reshaping the Halo franchise’s creative direction and workforce structure.
- · This shift may influence future talent acquisition and the broader industry’s perception of stability within major game studios.
