Microsoft sets Halo's course under Activision, reflecting major shifts amid ongoing restructuring.
The gaming industry’s landscape feels the tremors from Microsoft’s recent announcement that Activision will take over the development of the Halo series. This decision is part of a broader restructuring following significant layoffs across Microsoft’s gaming divisions, including Halo Studios. Destructoid reports that 268 roles have been eliminated as CEO Asha Sharma and CCO Matt Booty aim to “reset” Microsoft’s gaming efforts. This move to entrust Halo with a “new, purpose-built team” under Activision underscores the franchise’s critical role in Microsoft’s portfolio even as the company navigates strategic changes.
In a more optimistic narrative surrounding franchise survival, Sega’s Sonic the Hedgehog has narrowly avoided potential cancellation within the past decade. The revelation comes from Sonic’s creative officer, Takashi Iizuka, in an interview covered by Destructoid. He credits the pivotal role of the first Sonic movie in 2020 as the catalyst that rejuvenated interest and investment in the series, now celebrating its 35th anniversary.
Meanwhile, other studios are exploring possible collaborations to boost beloved game series. As mentioned by Game Rant, Kim Hyung-tae of Stellar Blade has expressed interest in working with PlatinumGames to develop a new installment in the Bayonetta franchise. Such potential partnerships highlight a continued industry interest in sustaining and innovating iconic gaming properties.
On the expansion and release front, GamesHub has reviewed the ‘Finspan: Sharks and Reefs’ expansion, describing it as a terrifying deep-sea experience, though more detailed consumer insights on player reception will be anticipated. Likewise, GameSpot revisits Capcom’s ‘Pragmata,’ which has emerged as a standout title in 2026, marking yet another success in Capcom’s series of hits, despite a rocky development history.
Lastly, the gaming community is buzzing over the expansive potential displayed in EA Sports FC 27’s Career Mode. With an impressive 52 players having a potential rating of over 90, Game Rant highlights the opportunity for gamers to transform teams from average to elite, indicating a robust iteration for the franchise this year.
