Halo Studios reportedly reduced to about 20 staff after Microsoft layoffs
GG Brief Editorial Desk · AI-assisted, source attributed
Insider Gaming reports that Halo Studios was reportedly reduced to as few as 20 employees after Microsoft’s September 22 round of layoffs. The claim that only about 20 staff remain was attributed to pro player aPureGangster, as cited by Technical Halo, and Insider Gaming notes those figures cannot be independently verified. Microsoft announced on September 22 that development of future Halo titles would move to Activision and that Activision has been handed stewardship while Halo Studios will remain in some capacity. Insider Gaming also cites Windows Central’s Jez Corden saying Halo Studio is “looking at major layoffs in the 100s,” and notes it may take time for precise staffing figures to emerge.
- What happened: Insider Gaming reported that claims—originally attributed to pro player aPureGangster via Technical Halo—suggest Halo Studios was left with roughly 20 employees after Microsoft’s September 22 layoffs.
- Why it matters: Microsoft announced on September 22 that development of future Halo titles is being moved to Activision, and Insider Gaming reported that Activision has been handed stewardship while Halo Studios remains in some capacity.
- Context: Insider Gaming cautioned the 20-person figure could not be verified and cited Windows Central’s Jez Corden saying Halo Studio is “looking at major layoffs in the 100s,” indicating other reports describe larger cuts.
- What next: Precise staffing numbers and further details are not yet confirmed, and Insider Gaming says it may take a while for exact figures to emerge.
What changed
Insider Gaming reported claims that Halo Studios was reduced to about 20 employees following Microsoft’s September 22 round of layoffs. The same report notes Microsoft announced development of future Halo titles is being moved to Activision and that Activision has been handed stewardship of the franchise while Halo Studios will continue to exist in some capacity.
Timeline
- September 22: Microsoft announced the layoffs and that future Halo development would move to Activision, per Insider Gaming.
- Following that announcement: Insider Gaming relayed a claim—attributed to pro player aPureGangster via Technical Halo—that Halo Studios now has roughly 20 staff; Insider Gaming says this figure cannot be independently verified.
Limits
- The claim of ~20 employees comes via aPureGangster as cited by Technical Halo and is described by Insider Gaming as unverified.
- Insider Gaming also cited Windows Central’s Jez Corden reporting that Halo Studio is “looking at major layoffs in the 100s,” showing there are differing reported estimates.
- No precise, independently confirmed staffing totals or a detailed timeline for further changes were provided in the cited reporting.