Xbox's latest restructuring tasks Activision with developing the next Halo game, part of a larger reshuffle affecting major studios.
This week’s Xbox news is dominated by a massive restructuring effort that puts Activision in charge of developing the next Halo title, a notable shift that highlights Xbox’s ongoing effort to realign its studio operations. Amidst a backdrop of layoffs and corporate reshuffling, this new chapter for Xbox aims to set a clear path forward for its game franchises.
Restructuring and Layoffs at Xbox
Xbox has announced significant organizational changes, including a notable decision to transfer the development responsibilities for some of its key franchises to Activision. According to Pure Xbox, Matt Booty, Xbox’s Chief Content Officer, revealed in a company-wide message that Activision will take the helm of the next Halo game. This move is part of Xbox’s larger “reset,” which involves layoffs affecting 268 roles across several divisions, including Halo Studios and other first-party studios.
As part of this restructuring, the iconic studios Rare and World’s Edge have also been placed under Activision’s umbrella. While the specifics of this move are still being clarified, it signifies a substantial shift in how Xbox plans to manage and publish future titles. Pure Xbox reports that these franchises will likely be branded with Activision rather than Xbox moving forward.
The Future of Arkane Studios
Amongst these sweeping changes, the fate of Arkane Studios, the developers behind Marvel’s Blade, remains uncertain. The studio’s future under Xbox management was not clearly addressed in the company’s latest announcements, leaving fans and industry watchers speculating about what’s next. Again, as Pure Xbox notes, more concrete updates are expected down the line.
Other Xbox News
In other gaming news, The Xbox Hub reports that “Well Dweller,” an indie title with a unique hero concept, has been added to Game Pass. This title gives players a fresh, grim adventure with its small but mighty protagonist equipped with nothing but a matchstick.
Additionally, “Outbound” has received a free update introducing a new photography system and a variety of wildlife to discover, enhancing the game’s exploration element.
Lastly, Xbox Wire highlights a collaboration for “Gears of War: E-Day,” providing players with exclusive in-game content and real-world merchandise in partnership with Liquid Death Energy. This marks an intriguing blend of in-game rewards and physical collectibles for the Gears series.
