Activision is taking over Halo as part of a massive Xbox shake-up

<figure> <img alt="Promotional art from Halo: Campaign Evolved." data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="Image: Xbox Game Studios" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/assets_2026_06_1780857686_1b.HCE_Standard_Edition_No_Logo_3840x2180.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Microsoft is announcing a massive restructuring of its Xbox studios today, months after <a href="https://www.theverge.com/news/961546/xbox-layoffs-studio-sales-2026">laying off 1,600 Xbox employees</a> and selling off studios. The latest changes will see Activision take on the <em>Halo </em>and <em>Sea of Thieves</em> franchises, as well as <em>Age of Empires</em>. Microsoft is also laying off around 268 Xbox employees as part of this restructuring, and <a href="https://www.theverge.com/news/998589/microsoft-xbox-layoffs-ninja-theory-closure">likely closing Ninja Theory</a>.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Halo Studios will be significantly impacted by today's changes and layoffs. The studio will continue to support existing titles like <em>Halo Infinite</em> and <em>Halo: Campaign Evolved</em>, but the next flagship installment in the <em>Halo </em>franchise will come from Activision instead.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">"Ac …</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/news/998586/activision-halo-xbox-reorganization-layoffs">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>