TheRetroArcade
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Joined: Feb 2026
Microsoft is overhauling its Xbox business in a big--and painful--way. Part of the effort to "reset" Xbox involves enlisting Call of Duty publisher Activision to make the next Halo game. This isn't a spin-off or some kind of other extension of the iconic sci-fi series, but instead the next entry in the main series following 2021's disappointing Halo Infinite.
Here's what we know about Activision's Halo game, and what comes next for Halo Studios.
What's the new game?
The biggest question is what is the new Halo game from Activision? The announcement from Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty didn't reveal any specifics, but a story from The Hollywood Reporter said it is a "full-feature, mainline installment" in the long-running series.
Activision boss Rob Kostich said in a statement to Game File that Activision is trying to make the "greatest Halo game ever." He said the ambition is to make a game that is "worthy of its universe and legacy, while staying true to what made players love it in the first place."
"It is a bold ambition, one that this franchise deserves. We have already begun assembling a purpose-built team, unique in capability and talent, ready and excited to deliver this next chapter with the community," he added.
Who is developing the new Halo game?
Booty said Microsoft is putting together a "new, purpose-built team" to make the new Halo game at Activision. He also clarified that efforts to make the new Halo game at Activision are "separate from ongoing development and plans for Call of Duty."
Despite years of speculation that a Call of Duty studio could be assigned to Halo, a new team is being spun up. It remains to be seen if Activision's development of a new Halo game will have any impact on the Call of Duty franchise in terms of its established annual release schedule or if any key individuals will move from CoD development to Halo.
When can we expect the new Halo game from Activision?
Given the comments from Kostich about assembling a team to make a new Halo game at Activision, it appears it's extremely early days for the game. As such, no one should expect to play it any time soon. Blizzard recently announced a new StarCraft shooter coming in 2030, while Bethesda revealed the unreleased Elder Scrolls 6 in 2018, showing that Xbox as a whole is not averse to confirming plans for games that could be a half decade or more away.
What's happening to Halo Studios and its other games?
According to Booty, a "small team" at Halo Studios will "continue supporting the Halo community and games in-market." Halo Studios is winding down significantly, with numerous staffers losing their jobs.
This is a major shift. People may recall that in October 2024, Microsoft announced that Halo developer 343 changed its name to Halo Studios and outlined plans for multiple new games. Additionally, Halo Studios confirmed that it would develop new Halo games with the Unreal Engine going forward, as opposed to its oRead more: Full article on www.gamespot.com
What do you think about this?
Here's what we know about Activision's Halo game, and what comes next for Halo Studios.
What's the new game?
The biggest question is what is the new Halo game from Activision? The announcement from Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty didn't reveal any specifics, but a story from The Hollywood Reporter said it is a "full-feature, mainline installment" in the long-running series.
Activision boss Rob Kostich said in a statement to Game File that Activision is trying to make the "greatest Halo game ever." He said the ambition is to make a game that is "worthy of its universe and legacy, while staying true to what made players love it in the first place."
"It is a bold ambition, one that this franchise deserves. We have already begun assembling a purpose-built team, unique in capability and talent, ready and excited to deliver this next chapter with the community," he added.
Who is developing the new Halo game?
Booty said Microsoft is putting together a "new, purpose-built team" to make the new Halo game at Activision. He also clarified that efforts to make the new Halo game at Activision are "separate from ongoing development and plans for Call of Duty."
Despite years of speculation that a Call of Duty studio could be assigned to Halo, a new team is being spun up. It remains to be seen if Activision's development of a new Halo game will have any impact on the Call of Duty franchise in terms of its established annual release schedule or if any key individuals will move from CoD development to Halo.
When can we expect the new Halo game from Activision?
Given the comments from Kostich about assembling a team to make a new Halo game at Activision, it appears it's extremely early days for the game. As such, no one should expect to play it any time soon. Blizzard recently announced a new StarCraft shooter coming in 2030, while Bethesda revealed the unreleased Elder Scrolls 6 in 2018, showing that Xbox as a whole is not averse to confirming plans for games that could be a half decade or more away.
What's happening to Halo Studios and its other games?
According to Booty, a "small team" at Halo Studios will "continue supporting the Halo community and games in-market." Halo Studios is winding down significantly, with numerous staffers losing their jobs.
This is a major shift. People may recall that in October 2024, Microsoft announced that Halo developer 343 changed its name to Halo Studios and outlined plans for multiple new games. Additionally, Halo Studios confirmed that it would develop new Halo games with the Unreal Engine going forward, as opposed to its oRead more: Full article on www.gamespot.com
What do you think about this?