# Activision to lead next Halo game as Xbox cuts 268 jobs

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/xbox-lay-offs-continue-with-268-employees-cut-activision-to-develop-next-halo-game-as-part-of-studio-reorg/
- Published: 2026-09-22T15:25:56+00:00
- Updated: 2026-09-22T22:23:19+00:00
- Original publisher: Variety
- Original article: https://variety.com/2026/gaming/news/xbox-lay-offs-continue-activision-new-halo-game-1236872038/
- Topics: Art, Culture, Entertainment, Gaming

## Key points

- Xbox has eliminated another 268 roles.
- Activision will lead development of the next Halo game.
- The cuts are about three-quarters through Xbox’s 3,200-job restructuring.

## Summary

Xbox has cut a further 268 jobs across Halo Studios, other first-party teams, and central management functions as part of its wider restructuring. The reorganisation will place Activision in charge of developing the next Halo game through a new dedicated team, while a smaller Halo Studios group continues supporting existing games and the player community.

The changes are intended to reduce the number of Xbox business units and consolidate related teams. Bethesda will absorb Obsidian, King will combine with Microsoft Casual Games, and Playground will merge with Turn 10 to focus on Forza and Fable. Xbox says the measures, including studio divestitures, represent roughly three-quarters of its planned workforce reduction of up to 3,200 roles, or 20% of staff; Undead Labs has found a new publishing partner for State of Decay 3, while Ninja Theory faces a proposed closure and consultations with Arkane remain ongoing.

## Coverage

- [Variety: Activision to lead next Halo game as Xbox cuts 268 jobs](https://variety.com/2026/gaming/news/xbox-lay-offs-continue-activision-new-halo-game-1236872038/)
- [Engadget: Xbox 'reset' continues with 268 job cuts and Activision making the next Halo game](https://www.engadget.com/2265293/xbox-reset-continues-with-268-job-cuts-activision-making-the-next-halo-game/)
- [PC Gamer: Xbox lays off 268 more employees, merges Obsidian into Bethesda, and puts Activision in charge of Halo](https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/xbox-lays-off-268-more-employees-merges-obsidian-into-bethesda-and-puts-activision-in-charge-of-halo/)
- [The Hollywood Reporter: More Xbox Layoffs Hit as Massive Reorg Continues; Activision to Make Next ‘Halo’ Game](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/xbox-layoffs-reorg-activision-takes-over-halo-games-1236707478/)
- [GamesRadar+: Activision prepares to "make the greatest Halo game ever" as it takes control of the franchise](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/activision-prepares-to-make-the-greatest-halo-game-ever-as-it-takes-control-of-the-franchise-from-halo-studios/)
- [Push Square: Xbox Confirms Job Losses and Studio Changes, Activision to Make Next Halo Game](https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2026/09/xbox-confirms-job-losses-and-studio-changes-activision-to-make-next-halo-game)

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.