Activision Takes the Helm as Microsoft Hands Over Halo

Microsoft has announced a major shake-up in its Xbox division, transferring ownership of the popular Halo franchise to Activision. This move will see Activision take on the development of the next mainline Halo game, leaving Halo Studios to face potential layoffs and studio closure. The news comes as part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to restructure its gaming operations.

Ninja Theory, developer of Hellblade, was also set to be sold off but those deals have fallen through. As a result, the studio is likely to close down in the wake of this new development. In other Xbox news, The Blood of Dawnwalker will receive a major update next month, which may see significant changes to its combat mechanics.