All articles tagged with #activision
Halo Waypoint clarifies that all versions of Halo: Campaign Evolved are canon, resolves timeline discrepancies in The Fall of Reach, and confirms upcoming novels despite recent studio restructuring.
Insider reports suggest Activision is developing a soft reboot of the Halo franchise, potentially focusing on Master Chief's origins, using the Infinity Ward Engine. The project, led by a team within Sledgehammer Games, has moved from separate multiplayer and campaign prototypes to a single combined title. This development follows Microsoft's restructuring, which transferred Halo to Activision and closed Halo Studios, raising concerns among former developers about the future of the franchise and the potential loss of proprietary technology like the Slipstream engine.
Frank O'Connor, former franchise director of Halo, has publicly advised Activision on how to approach the next entry in the series. He suggests three distinct development paths: a classic shooter, a modern reinvention, or a Call of Duty-style service model. He also urges Activision to hire staff laid off from Bungie and Halo Studios, warning against tying the game to hardware launch cycles.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has explicitly stated that the gaming division is not for sale, pushing back against speculation that Microsoft is preparing to divest the unit. This clarification follows a massive restructuring effort that includes laying off up to 3,200 employees and moving major franchises like Halo under Activision. While analysts remain skeptical due to the scale of the changes, Microsoft leadership insists the current moves are long-term investments rather than a prelude to a spin-off.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 releases on October 23 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, and PC. Activision confirmed 2XP tokens will now only count down during active matches, not in menus. Infinity Ward and Beenox detailed new PC features, including 90 FPS targets, ray tracing, and a Counter-Strike-style mode called 'Collateral.'
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has publicly supported the latest wave of Xbox layoffs, describing the cuts as necessary 'streamlining' under new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma. On September 22, Microsoft eliminated 268 additional roles across Xbox Game Studios, bringing the division’s restructuring approximately 75% toward its goal of cutting 3,200 jobs by the end of the fiscal year. The restructuring includes significant studio consolidations, most notably moving the next Halo game to Activision and merging Turn 10 and Playground Games. While Nadella expressed confidence in the IP portfolio, critics and employees argue the rapid changes lack a coherent long-term strategy, leading to potential closures for studios like Ninja Theory and deep uncertainty among remaining staff.
Activision is launching a new cosmetic filter for Call of Duty: Warzone with the release of Modern Warfare 4 Season 1. This toggle allows players to replace skins from other titles in the franchise with standard Modern Warfare 4 operators. The feature is optional and does not affect other players' views.
Xbox announced a second wave of restructuring, cutting 268 jobs and moving key studios like Halo, Rare, and Obsidian under Activision and Bethesda. Ninja Theory faces closure after failed sales attempts, while community reactions range from grief over lost artistic vision to anxiety about aggressive monetization strategies.
Microsoft has moved the Halo franchise to Activision, marking a significant shift for the 25-year-old series. While fans debate a potential reboot, critics argue the game has lost its unique identity, and personal accounts highlight the emotional weight of the franchise's decline.
Microsoft has effectively closed Halo Studios, cutting 268 jobs and transferring the next Halo title to a new team at Activision. Former leaders Bonnie Ross and Kiki Wolfkill expressed deep concern, while one employee reported being promoted and fired in the same week. This move is part of a broader Xbox restructuring that includes merging studios and closing Ninja Theory.
Microsoft’s Xbox division cut 268 jobs and transferred the next mainline Halo game to Activision. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney defended the move, arguing that top studios deserve high-potential projects. Critics argue the restructuring lacks a long-term vision.
Microsoft's Xbox division has cut 268 jobs, including significant reductions at Halo Studios, as part of a broader restructuring. The next mainline Halo game will now be developed by Activision, with a new dedicated team, while a small remaining staff at Halo Studios will support existing games and the community. Former Halo developers have expressed shock and frustration over the changes, describing the studio's reduction as 'brutal' and 'heartbreaking.'
Microsoft’s Xbox division has cut 268 jobs, leaving as few as 20 employees at Halo Studios. Activision will now develop the next Halo title, while the remaining staff focus on community support. This move is part of a broader restructuring that consolidates studios and divests others.
Xbox has announced another 268 job cuts, bringing its total restructuring closer to 3,200 roles. The division is consolidating studios by moving Halo, Rare, and World's Edge under Activision, while Obsidian joins Bethesda. Ninja Theory faces potential closure after failed sale attempts.
Microsoft has completed approximately 75% of its massive Xbox restructuring, cutting 268 additional roles and transferring the next Halo game to Activision. The company is consolidating studios, merging Turn 10 and Playground Games, and moving Obsidian to Bethesda, while facing potential closure for Ninja Theory after failed sale attempts. These moves extend beyond gaming, with further cuts in cloud and AI sectors, reflecting a broader strategy to reduce costs and focus on core franchises.