Xbox cuts 268 positions and shifts Halo development to Activision

The short version

• Xbox is cutting 268 jobs across Halo Studios, central functions, and other first-party studios.[Variety]
• Activision is taking over development of the next Halo game with a dedicated team separate from Call of Duty, while also absorbing Rare and World's Edge.[Variety]
• A reduced team at Halo Studios will maintain active titles, while failed sales agreements have led Xbox to consult staff on Ninja Theory's proposed closure.[Variety]

Key facts

• Xbox is eliminating 268 roles across Halo Studios, other first-party studios, and management central functions.[Variety]
• Activision will build a dedicated team separate from Call of Duty to develop the next Halo game.[Variety]
• Activision's management remit is expanding to encompass studios Rare and World's Edge.[Variety]
• A small team will remain at Halo Studios to maintain existing community support and active games.[Variety]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Xbox Lay Offs Continue With 268 Employees Cut; Activision to Develop Next ‘Halo’ Game as Part of Studio ReorgVariety metered
• Activision is taking over Halo as part of a massive Xbox shake-upThe Verge
• Microsoft is laying off 268 Xbox staffers and Ninja Theory may closeThe Verge
• Microsoft starts a new round of job cuts and the next phase of its Xbox 'reset.' Read the memo.Business Insider metered
• Call of Duty's Activision to make next Halo game as Xbox cuts more jobsBBC News - World
• Xbox 'reset' continues with 268 job cuts and Activision making the next Halo gameEngadget
• Shuffling the deck chairs: Xbox continues its "reset" with dramatic restructuringArs Technica
• Xbox’s Latest Restructuring Puts Call of Duty Developer Activision in Charge of HaloCNET