Microsoft’s latest Xbox restructuring has effectively dismantled Halo Studios, with Activision taking responsibility for the next major Halo game. The article argues that Halo needed a significant change after years of declining relevance and disappointing releases, but says removing the team built around the series is an exceptionally risky way to pursue it.

Activision’s experience with major first-person shooters, particularly Call of Duty, could provide useful resources and expertise, but Halo has different gameplay, identity and fan expectations. The change also follows wider Xbox job cuts and organisational upheaval, leaving uncertainty over the new game’s direction, development team and ability to restore confidence in the franchise.