Xbox's Reset Continues: Halo to Activision, 268 More Layoffs, Ninja Theory Faces Closure
About this episode
Xbox restructures studios and cuts 268 jobs, Halo Studios reduced to 20-person support crew as Activision takes over franchise, Ninja Theory faces closure after two acquisition deals fall through
Chapters
Sources & Citations
Xbox Wire – "Continuing Our Reset" (Matt Booty, Sept. 22, 2026)
news.xbox.com
GamesIndustry.biz – "Xbox transfers Rare and Halo franchise to Activision, proposes closure of Ninja Theory, and confirms another 268 roles cut amid studio restructure"
www.gamesindustry.biz
Gematsu – "Xbox lays off 268 employees as Halo, Rare, and World's Edge move to Activision, Obsidian Entertainment moves to Bethesda Softworks, and Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios merge"
www.gematsu.com
GeekWire – "Microsoft cuts hundreds more jobs, shifts next 'Halo' game to Activision in Xbox overhaul"
www.geekwire.com
Only 20 Developers Remain at Halo Studios After Layoffs, It's Claimed — Insider Gaming
insider-gaming.com
Insider Gaming on X (primary source)
x.com
Activision Taking Over Halo Franchise and What Remains of Halo Studios Will Now Be a Support Team — Kotaku
kotaku.com
Confirmed: Microsoft Hands Halo to Activision as Part of Seismic Xbox Studios Shakeup — IGN
www.ign.com
"I'm still blown away by the amount of talent": Hellblade devs Ninja Theory face closure after Microsoft fail to reach a deal with buyers | Rock Paper Shotgun
www.rockpapershotgun.com
Microsoft reportedly only announced Ninja Theory's new game at Summer Game Fest to try and attract a buyer for the studio | Rock Paper Shotgun
www.rockpapershotgun.com
Ninja Theory Now Expected To Close As Deal Falls Apart | GameSpot
www.gamespot.com
Xbox Moves To Close Ninja Theory After Two Buyout Deals Fall Through, Leaving Senua's Future Unclear | GameDaily
gamedaily.com