Xbox Restructures Studios, Moves Halo to Activision

Xbox has implemented a major restructuring of its internal game development studios, a move that significantly alters the management of key franchises. The company stated the reorganization aims to foster greater collaboration and reduce the "independence" of teams previously operating in silos.

The most prominent change involves the Halo franchise. Development and management responsibilities for Halo will now fall under Activision, the studio behind Call of Duty. Halo Studios, formerly 343 Industries, will be scaled down to a "small team" focused on community support, with remaining staff roles eliminated as part of broader layoffs.

Activision President Rob Kostich expressed ambition for the franchise, stating, "For Halo, our goal is clear: make the greatest Halo game ever, worthy of its universe and legacy, while staying true to what made players love it in the first place." He indicated a new, specialized team is being assembled to lead this next chapter for Halo.

This organizational shift follows previous announcements of significant layoffs within the Xbox division earlier this year, which the company described as a "reset" to address operational inefficiencies. The restructuring appears to be a further step in that initiative, consolidating resources and centralizing control over major game properties.