Activision Takes Helm of 'Halo' Franchise Amid Major Xbox Shake-Up
The iconic 'Halo' franchise is making a significant change in its 25-year history. Microsoft has announced that the next 'Halo' game will be developed under Activision, the same company behind Call of Duty.
According to Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty, a new team at Activision will develop the next title separately from the Call of Duty operations. A small team at Halo Studios, formerly 343 Industries, will remain to support the community and games already on the market.
The handoff comes with a cost: Microsoft is eliminating 268 roles across Halo Studios, other first-party teams, and Xbox's central management. The goal is to strengthen franchises and games by operating fewer business units.
Activision president Rob Kostich has promised to 'make the greatest Halo game ever.' With its influence reaching beyond controllers and consoles through the Red vs. Blue machinima series, fans are eager to see what the new team brings. However, for the workers losing their jobs, the consequences of the reset are already here.