Activision will develop the next Halo game following a major Xbox restructuring that eliminated 268 roles at Halo Studios. This represents a significant shift for the franchise, which was once Xbox's flagship series and is now being transferred to the Call of Duty publisher as part of broader studio reorganisation. Halo Studios, along with Rare and World's Edge, have been moved under Activision's purview, whilst a small team remains to support existing Halo games.

Fan reaction has been mixed, with considerable uncertainty surrounding the franchise's direction. Primary concerns centre on whether Activision will reboot or abandon the established lore built over 25 years—a possibility that has divided the community, with some fearing a complete reset and others actually requesting one. Questions also linger about Halo Fest Seattle, scheduled for December to celebrate the series' 25th anniversary, given the scale of layoffs at Halo Studios; Activision's statement about creating "the greatest Halo game" remains vague, suggesting the creative team has yet to be fully assembled.