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Activision to make the next Halo game as Xbox cuts 268 more jobs and Ninja Theory faces closure

From the Newshound archive · first published 22 September 2026 · last updated 23 September 2026.

Activision to make the next Halo game as Xbox cuts 268 more jobs and Ninja Theory faces closure

Microsoft has handed the Halo franchise to Call of Duty publisher Activision and axed a further 268 jobs as its sweeping "reset" of Xbox continues. Halo Studios, formerly 343 Industries, will be reduced to a skeleton crew while a new purpose-built Activision team builds the next mainline entry. British developer Ninja Theory faces likely closure after two separate buyer deals fell through, with Matt Booty, Xbox's chief content officer, confirming the studio has entered employee consultation.

Activision president Rob Kostich said the company's goal is to make 'the greatest Halo game ever, worthy of its universe and legacy.'

Bethesda is absorbing Obsidian, while Playground and Turn 10 will merge, as Xbox reorganises its entire first-party structure.

MoreMetroCall Of Duty creators Activision to make next Halo game as Xbox confirm layoffsMetroHellblade developer Ninja Theory and Arkane Studios face closure in Xbox cutsThe Hollywood ReporterMore Xbox Layoffs Hit as Massive Reorg Continues; Activision to Make Next ‘Halo’ Game - The Hollywood ReporterPCMag AustraliaMicrosoft Tasks Activision to Build Next Halo Game as Xbox Layoffs Continue - PCMag Australia
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