Story perspectives

Xbox to take over Rare, Halo as jobs cut

By Drooid · Sep 22, 2026, 6:07 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Xbox announced Activision will take over Rare and the Halo franchise, while Ninja Theory faces closure.
Xbox cut 268 roles across Halo Studios, other first-party studios, and management.
Xbox plans to cut about 3,200 jobs this year, with three-quarters already done.
Activision president Rob Kostich said a purpose-built team will develop the next Halo game.

History

Historical Context

In March 2021 Microsoft closed its $8.1 billion purchase of ZeniMax Media, adding Bethesda to Xbox Game Studios and expanding its console portfolio after the Xbox Series X launch in November 2020. The move set the stage for the January 2022 announcement—and 2023 completion—of the $68.7 billion Activision Blizzard deal, after which Xbox said Activision will take over Rare and the Halo franchise, prompting further studio cuts.

1 of 2

Story summary

Xbox announced Activision will take over Rare and the Halo franchise, while Ninja Theory faces closure.
Xbox cut 268 roles across Halo Studios, other first-party studios, and management.
Xbox plans to cut about 3,200 jobs this year, with three-quarters already done.
Activision president Rob Kostich said a purpose-built team will develop the next Halo game.

1 / 2