Activision Takes Control of Halo Franchise as Microsoft Cancels Internal Studio Project

The Xbox franchise has undergone significant changes in recent years, and the latest move involves the handover of the Halo series to Activision. Microsoft had been developing a new Halo game with its internal studio, Halo Studios, but this project was reportedly still several years away from release when it was canceled.

Halo Studios had seen multiple projects canceled in the past, and its future looked uncertain after the troubled launch of Halo Infinite in 2021. The company has undergone significant leadership changes and has been working on new games using Epic's Unreal Engine.

Activision has announced plans to set up a new team to develop the next mainline Halo game, with Rob Kostich stating that the goal is to create 'the greatest Halo game ever' while staying true to its universe and legacy. The move marks a significant shift in the Xbox franchise's development, with Microsoft handing over control of its flagship series to another company.

New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has stated her intention to double down on big franchises like Fallout, Minecraft, and Halo, releasing new games more frequently. Activision releases an annual mainline Call of Duty game, and it remains to be seen if this will have a similar impact on the Halo series.