Activision Takes Over Halo Franchise Amid Microsoft Layoffs

Microsoft has handed over its legacy franchise Halo to Activision after laying off hundreds of employees from Halo Studios. The studio, which had been working on the Halo series for years, will now be responsible only for maintaining and updating existing games in the universe.

The move is part of Microsoft's restructuring efforts under new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, who has described the layoffs as a 'reset'. Over 1,600 employees have lost their jobs so far this summer, with more studios being moved under Activision's umbrella.

Activision has welcomed Halo, Rare, and World's Edge to its family, with President Rob Kostich promising to make the greatest Halo game ever. The company has already begun assembling a new team to work on the franchise.