Support NeoGAF

[RetroGamingUK]

https://www.tweaktown.com/news/106307/new-halo-game-faces-trouble-as-devs-report-unhappy-quality-amid-studio-layoffs/index.html

A developer from Halo Studios has informed Engadget that "at least five employees" from Halo have been fired as part of the recent sweeping Microsoft layoffs, following employees receiving an email last week from Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer about incoming "organization shifts" intended to "increase agility and effectiveness." According to the report, affected Halo Studios employees were brought into a meeting with team leaders and informed about the incoming layoffs.

The developer also informed the publication that the environment at Halo Studios is quite tense, even before the scheduled layoffs. The reason for the tense environment is that the current state of the new Halo game isn't great, with that title currently undergoing significant development struggles.

The developer said, "I don't think anybody is really happy about the quality of the product right now. There's been a lot of tension and pep talks trying to rally folks to ship."

"Xbox in general feels years behind the curve in game development, and it leads to a lot of wasted time and effort. They're trying their damndest to replace as many jobs as they can with AI agents," said the developer

 

[SomeNorseGuy]

I think this is the same story as this one:

Thread 'Halo Studios (ex-343) already in turmoil - "I don't think anybody is really happy about the quality of the product right now"'

Jul 3, 2025

Even before the Xbox layoffs, there was 'tension' at Halo Studios

At least five employees at Halo Studios have been fired as part of company-wide layoffs at Microsoft on Wednesday, according to a developer with knowledge of the situation.

www.engadget.com

At least five employees at Halo Studios have been fired as part of company-wide layoffs at Microsoft on Wednesday, according to a developer with knowledge of the situation. An estimated 200 to 300 people remain at the studio.

Employees across Microsoft's Xbox division received an email from Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer Wednesday morning addressing "organizational shifts" hitting the team over the coming days. Halo Studios employees who were...

• Dr. Samuel Hayden
• Replies: 139
• Forum: Gaming Discussion

• 
• 
•