Halo Studios leadership has reportedly not moved to Activision following the studio’s recent layoffs, with the remaining staff instead focused on supporting Halo: Campaign Evolved and preparing for Halo Fest.
According to information shared by YouTuber Rebs Gaming, a source familiar with the situation claims that no Halo Studios employees have moved to Activision. This comes after speculation that members of Halo Studios leadership could be involved with Activision’s reported Halo project.
The source claims that several Halo Studios leadership members were laid off, while others remain at the studio alongside studio head Pierre Hintze and Chris Matthews. The remaining staff are reportedly part of the team responsible for supporting Halo games already on the market.
Microsoft previously described this group as a small team that would continue supporting the Halo community and existing games.
According to the source, Matt Booty has told the remaining Halo Studios staff that their immediate priorities are Halo Fest and an upcoming update for Halo: Campaign Evolved. The update is reportedly being developed by a small team and is expected to add Firefight and Theater modes.
The update is currently targeting a December release, although the layoffs could force the team to change or remove some planned content. Rebs Gaming’s source claims that getting the update out in December remains the team’s top priority.
Firefight is reportedly already fully playable during internal testing. However, the reduced team is said to be facing additional challenges after entire development groups, including audio and user interface staff, were affected by the layoffs.
The remaining developers are reportedly still working on the Campaign Evolved update and playing it daily, although it’s unclear whether all of the planned content will make the final version.
Halo Fest is also scheduled for December, giving the remaining team two major commitments before the end of the year. Following the event, the remaining Halo Studios employees are reportedly expected to be laid off.
The source further claims that the remaining Halo Studios staff, including Hintze, have no involvement with Activision’s upcoming Halo project and aren’t aware of what the publisher is currently developing.
