Microsoft Cuts 268 Xbox Jobs, Transfers Halo Development to Activision

WHO:

Techmeme - Microsoft, Activision, Xbox Game Studios, Halo Studios, Ninja Theory, Matt Booty (Xbox chief content officer)

WHAT:

Techmeme - The announcement regarding the transfer of the Halo franchise to Activision marks one of the biggest changes in its 25-year history.

GeekWire - The layoffs this week are part of a previously announced job-eliminations plan, which has now reached a total of 3,200 roles targeted for elimination by summer 2027.

Variety - The layoffs were communicated through a memo to staff by Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty on a Tuesday.

Inc - The latest round of layoffs brings Xbox's total job cuts to 3,200, as part of a plan to eliminate these roles by summer 2027.

CNET - Activision is now in charge of developing the Halo franchise, marking a significant shift in the management of one of Xbox's biggest titles.

Inc - The most recent round of cuts brings Xbox closer to its goals to eliminate 3,200 roles by summer 2027.

GeekWire - Microsoft is cutting hundreds more jobs globally, including 268 across Xbox Game Studios.

Variety - The new cuts primarily affect Halo Studios, other first-party studios, and the Xbox Game Studios management and central functions layer.

Screen Rant - The Halo franchise is officially under new leadership following the layoffs at Halo Studios.

Techmeme - Microsoft is laying off around 260 Xbox employees today, which is part of an ongoing gaming "reset."

GeekWire - The development of the next Halo game is moving to Activision, along with two other games.

Techmeme - Microsoft laid off 268 Xbox staffers as part of a gaming "reset."

GeekWire - The development of the next Halo game is being transferred to Activision.

Variety - The layoffs primarily affected Halo Studios, other first-party studios, and the Xbox Game Studios management and central functions layer.

WHERE:

GeekWire - The layoffs occurred across Xbox Game Studios, which is part of Microsoft.

WHEN:

Variety - The layoffs were part of a previously announced job-eliminations plan.

WHY:

Techmeme - The restructuring is part of Microsoft's strategy to focus on franchises like Halo and reach "a billion people."

GeekWire - The consolidation under fewer publishers is part of Microsoft's strategy to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

GeekWire - The job cuts are part of Microsoft's consolidation under fewer publishers.

Techmeme - Deals to sell off Ninja Theory fell through over the summer, leading to possible closure.

HOW:

Ars Technica - The restructuring includes Activision taking over the Halo franchise and Obsidian becoming part of Bethesda, indicating a significant internal reorganization within Microsoft's gaming divisions.

CNET - Activision is now in charge of developing the Halo franchise, which was previously a major competitor to Call of Duty within Xbox's portfolio.

Ars Technica - Activision is taking over the Halo franchise and two other games as part of a significant internal reorganization within Microsoft's gaming divisions.

Variety - The layoffs were communicated through a memo to staff by Matt Booty on Tuesday.

Variety - The layoffs were communicated through a memo to staff by Matt Booty.

(UPDATED September 23, 2026 13:03 UTC)

The transfer of the Halo franchise to Activision has been announced, marking one of the biggest changes in its 25-year history. This restructuring is part of Microsoft's strategy to concentrate on franchises like Halo as they aim to reach a billion people. The news highlights a significant shift in the gaming landscape that fans and industry watchers will be closely following.

(UPDATED September 23, 2026 10:58 UTC)

This week, Microsoft announced layoffs as part of a job-elimination plan that will ultimately target a total of 3,200 roles by summer 2027. The news was shared with staff in a memo from Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty on a Tuesday. Additionally, the restructuring will see Activision taking over the Halo franchise and Obsidian becoming part of Bethesda, marking a significant internal reorganization within the company's gaming divisions.

(UPDATED September 23, 2026 02:59 UTC)

Xbox has announced another round of layoffs, bringing the total number of job cuts to 3,200 as part of a plan to eliminate these roles by summer 2027. In a significant shift, Activision is now responsible for developing the Halo franchise, which was once a key competitor to Call of Duty within Xbox's lineup. This change marks a new chapter for both the Halo series and the broader gaming landscape.

(UPDATED September 23, 2026 01:19 UTC)

Activision is now in charge of developing the Halo franchise, marking a significant shift in the management of one of Xbox's biggest titles. This change comes as the gaming industry continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges and opportunities. Fans of the Halo series will be watching closely to see how this transition impacts future releases.

(UPDATED September 22, 2026 18:59 UTC)

Xbox is making significant progress toward its goal of eliminating 3,200 roles by summer 2027, with the latest round of cuts announced today. This move is part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and enhance efficiency within the company. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Xbox is positioning itself for future challenges and opportunities.

(UPDATED September 22, 2026 17:57 UTC)

Microsoft is making headlines with the announcement of job cuts affecting hundreds of employees globally, including 268 positions specifically within Xbox Game Studios. The reductions primarily target Halo Studios, other first-party studios, and the management and central functions layer of Xbox Game Studios. In a significant internal reorganization, Activision is set to take over the Halo franchise along with two other games as part of this restructuring effort within Microsoft's gaming divisions.

(UPDATED September 22, 2026 16:57 UTC)

The Halo franchise is now under new leadership after recent layoffs at Halo Studios. This change is part of Microsoft's strategy to streamline operations and enhance efficiency by consolidating under fewer publishers. As a result, Activision will take over the Halo franchise, while Obsidian will join Bethesda, marking a significant internal reorganization within Microsoft's gaming divisions.

(UPDATED September 22, 2026 15:57 UTC)

Microsoft is laying off approximately 260 employees from its Xbox division as part of a broader gaming "reset." In related news, the development of the next Halo game, along with two other titles, is being transferred to Activision. The layoffs were announced to staff in a memo from Matt Booty earlier this week.

(UPDATED September 22, 2026 15:00 UTC)

Microsoft has laid off 268 staffers from Xbox Game Studios as part of a gaming "reset," which primarily impacted Halo Studios and other first-party studios. In a significant shift, the development of the next Halo game is being transferred to Activision, following a consolidation strategy under fewer publishers. The layoffs were communicated to employees through a memo from Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty.