Former Halo Devs React To Mass Layoffs And The Activision Takeover: ‘Absolutely Brutal To See That Studio Reduced To A Shell’

Yesterday, Xbox announced another round of layoffs and more structural changes as part of its ongoing “reset” plan. One of the biggest changes involved Halo, with Xbox revealing that the long-running shooter series will now be developed by Activision. Meanwhile, former Halo stewards Halo Studios (formerly known as 343 Industries) suffered a ton of layoffs. In the wake of this news, many former Halo devs shared their thoughts online about the situation. On Tuesday, Xbox exec Matt Booty confirmed in a memo that the company was cutting over 250 more jobs, including many at Halo Studios. These cuts included some longtime Halo vets and even at least one person who had been promoted just the day before. Booty also confirmed that Halo Studios won’t be developing the next mainline Halo game. Instead, a new team within Activision will lead the charge, leaving what little remains of Halo Studios following the layoffs as a support studio for the series. For many longtime Halo devs who have since gone off to do other things, the news was brutal, heartbreaking, 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 Xbox layoffs and Halo shakeup. “Wishing the best for all the devs who were affected by this decision,” said Lehto. “I, as well as you all, am eager to learn more about what’s next.” Shocked but not entirely surprised by the news of the Halo Studios closure and moving the franchise to an Activision team. Wishing the best for all the devs who were affected by this decision. I, as well as you all, am eager to learn more about what’s next. — Marcus Lehto (@game_fabricator) September 23, 2026 Longtime Halo boss Bonnie Ross said on LinkedIn that it was “difficult to wake up to the news” that Halo Studios has now been “essentially shut down.” “Hundreds of incredibly talented team members are being impacted with 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,” posted Ross. “My thoughts are with every Halo team member and with the broader Xbox teams affected.” Former Halo art director Horia Dociu shared his thoughts on the Xbox news with a simple post on LinkedIn, sending love to his former colleagues and friends 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,” said Dociu. “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 posted about the layoffs on LinkedIn, saying that he wasn’t sure if he was “more sad or enraged” by Xbox’s cuts and what remains 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 (until such time as Xbox decides they’ve been on long enough and closes down the last remnants),” said Hilderbrand. “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.”