Phil Spencer says Microsoft will continue to “support and grow” Halo amid 343 layoffs
Xbox head Phil Spencer says Microsoft remains committed to the Halo franchise and developer 343 Industries. In an interview following this week’s Xbox and Bethesda, Spencer said “The heart and soul of Halo is with 343 and the team that is there, and I have complete confidence in the team that is there and leading and the plan they have for the future.”
Spencer’s comments come after 343 reportedly “by Microsoft’s recently announced . The number of employees Microsoft has let go from the studio is not known, but , campaign team saw significant cuts. The news prompted 343 to end layoffs last weekend. “Halo and Master Chief are here to stay,” studio head Pierre Hintze said. “343 Industries will continue to develop Halo now and in the future, including epic storytelling, multiplayer and more of what makes Halo great.”
According to Spencer, the layoffs were an attempt by Microsoft to position 343 for the future. “What we’re doing now is we want to make sure the leadership team has the flexibility to build the plan they need to build,” he said. “Halo continues to be critical to what Xbox does, and 343 is critical to Halo’s success.”
Frustratingly, Spencer wouldn’t discuss the franchise’s future beyond the broad outlines he offered. He declined to comment on whether Microsoft still has a 10-year support plan Halo infinity. “I’m going to let 343 talk about the plans they have right now,” Spencer said when asked about the topic. However, he did offer reassurances for Halo fans worried about what comes next for Master Chief. “I expect we will continue to support and grow Halo as long as the Xbox is a platform for people to play on.” The rest of the interview is worth reading if you’re an Xbox fan. The piece covers a lot of ground, including the console’s lackluster 2022.
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