Job shifts at Halo Studios raise questions following the successful launch of Halo: Campaign Evolved.
Today’s Xbox news centres heavily on developments at Halo Studios, where recent job losses have been reported shortly after the successful launch of Halo: Campaign Evolved. According to Pure Xbox, several employees have announced their departure from the studio. Although these changes are not being labelled as layoffs but rather shifts in external contractor arrangements, the timing raises questions.
The rerelease of Halo: Campaign Evolved has been well-received, scoring a 10/10 from some outlets, and has achieved approximately 900,000 sales across Xbox and PC in its first week. Despite this commercial success, the internal changes are a stark contrast, underscoring potential economic strategies or project conclusions that impact staffing.
Notable Xbox Releases This Week
The gaming landscape sees some significant additions and promises in the coming week. One new notable launch is Montabi, a game that combines monster collecting, deckbuilding, and roguelike elements to appeal to a wide audience. The Xbox Hub reports that this ambitious combination is now available for Xbox players to dive into.
In addition, players can look forward to a vibrant lineup of over 20 new titles arriving on Xbox, including indie favorites like No More Room in Hell 2 and the Vietnam expansion for the multiplayer shooter Hell Let Loose. Game Pass subscribers will benefit from multiple new titles throughout the week, keeping the subscription service’s library fresh and appealing to diverse tastes. The full list of upcoming releases can be found in Pure Xbox’s preview here.
Deals and Discounts Galore
Xbox’s ongoing sales provide ample opportunity for picking up games at reduced prices. Four new sales events include the Bethesda 40th Anniversary Sale and a substantial THQ Nordic sale, among others. For those eyeing cost-effective ways to expand their gaming library, these promotions might offer some hidden gems as reported by Pure Xbox.
What Else to Keep on Your Radar
While news on what might be leaving Xbox Game Pass for September remains speculative, it’s a reminder of the dynamic nature of subscription libraries. Speculation fueled by past patterns suggests changes are imminent, though no official confirmation has yet been released by Microsoft.
For sports gaming enthusiasts, the availability of a Madden NFL 27 trial via EA Play is a current highlight. This 10-hour trial gives players the chance to experience the game ahead of its full release, as detailed by Pure Xbox.
