Ex-Halo Developers Express Disappointment Over Mass Layoffs and Activision’s Acquisition: “It’s Heartbreaking to Watch the Studio Diminish”

Yesterday, Xbox revealed another wave of layoffs and significant structural changes as part of its ongoing “reset” initiative. A major shift involves the Halo franchise, with the announcement that the iconic shooter series will now be developed by a team at Activision. This news comes as Halo Studios, previously known as 343 Industries, faced substantial layoffs. In response, many former Halo developers took to social media to express their feelings about the situation.

On Tuesday, Xbox executive Matt Booty confirmed in a memo that over 250 jobs would be cut, impacting many at Halo Studios. Among those let go were several long-time Halo veterans, including at least one individual who had just received a promotion the day before. Booty also stated that Halo Studios would no longer be responsible for the next mainline Halo game, with a new team at Activision taking the lead. The remaining staff at Halo Studios will now serve primarily as a support team for the franchise.

For many former Halo developers who have since moved on to other projects, the news was devastating and frustrating.

“Gutted to hear the news today,” posted former Halo executive producer Kiki Wolfkill on LinkedIn. “Sending love and support to everyone impacted by the layoffs at Halo Studios and across Xbox. I know how much talent, heart, and care these teams pour into this work—and how deeply this can affect individuals, families, and teams.”

Halo co-creator Marcus Lehto shared on Twitter that he was “shocked but not entirely surprised” by the layoffs and the changes to Halo. “Wishing the best for all the devs who were affected by this decision,” he said. “I, as well as you all, am eager to learn more about what’s next.”

Longtime Halo leader Bonnie Ross expressed on LinkedIn that it was “difficult to wake up to the news” of Halo Studios being “essentially shut down.”

“Hundreds of incredibly talented team members are being impacted, including creatives, designers, engineers, producers, artists, narrative and audio specialists, data insights, Ops, community leaders, and franchise teams who poured their passion into Halo, gaming, and engaging and serving players and fans,” Ross wrote. “My thoughts are with every Halo team member and with the broader Xbox teams affected.”

Former Halo art director Horia Dociu shared his sentiments on LinkedIn, sending support to his former colleagues at Halo Studios.

“So many lovely friends over at Halo Studios are dealing with the massive layoff today as Microsoft shifts Halo development to Activision,” Dociu said. “With the level of talent in that building, and how hard everyone’s been working, it’s just heartbreaking to hear. I’m sending you all good vibes.”

Former Halo senior PR manager Brad Hilderbrand also commented on the layoffs, expressing his mixed feelings of sadness and anger over Xbox’s cuts and the future of Halo Studios.

“After spending 4+ years with the Halo team and seeing their passion for the franchise and love for the game and fans, it is absolutely brutal to see that studio reduced to a shell that’s only there to keep the servers turned on,” Hilderbrand stated. “The whole reason I left EA and went to Xbox in the first place was to work on Halo, the ‘crown jewel’ of Xbox and one of the most storied gaming franchises of all time. To see that jewel being functionally thrown in the garbage hurts a lot. My heart goes out to the now-former Halo team, as well as everyone else who was impacted today. All of you are incredible talents, you didn’t deserve this, and it absolutely sucks.”

“I wish I could tell you that everything will be fine and you’ll land on your feet given your immense talent, but the industry is a mess right now and I honestly don’t know what’s going to happen next.”