XBOX: Activision takes over Halo, Obsidian joins Bethesda, and Ninja Theory is going to close
, by Thibaut
Microsoft has just outlined its plans as part of a second major round of layoffs. Matt Booty, XBOX’s chief content officer, detailed these plans in a statement. A total of 268 people will be laid off.
First, Activision is taking over the Halo franchise with the creation of a new team specifically formed for this purpose. It will be separate from the team dedicated to the Call of Duty franchise. Halo Studios will not be closing its doors, but some positions will be eliminated. From now on, this small company, previously known as 343 Industries, will focus on the Halo community and games already on the market.
As for the other Xbox studios, Activision is also taking over World’s Edge (Age of Empires) and Rare (Sea of Thieves). Meanwhile, Obsidian Entertainment (Avowed, The Outer Worlds) is moving to Bethesda Softworks. The team will continue working on Grounded and a new Fallout game. Turn 10 (Forza Motorsport) and Playground Games (Forza Horizon, Fable) will merge to form a single studio.
"These two studios have been creative and franchise partners for over a decade, and today’s changes will formally move their work into one team."
Unfortunately, negotiations to save Ninja Theory and its upcoming game Senua have failed, so there are now discussions with employees to proceed with the closure of the studio behind the Hellblade series. Other options will also be explored.
Finally, King will expand its scope to include Microsoft Casual Games in order to develop more casual games.
Source: news.xbox.com