Xbox Restructures: Activision Takes Halo, Forza Studios Merge, Layoffs Continue

Microsoft's Xbox division is undergoing a significant restructuring, impacting multiple studios and franchises. In a major shift, Activision will now oversee the development of the Halo and Sea of Thieves franchises, as well as Age of Empires. This move comes as part of a broader effort to consolidate and refocus Xbox's gaming portfolio.

Further changes include the merger of Forza Horizon developer Playground Games and Forza Motorsport creator Turn 10 Studios into a single entity. This unified studio will concentrate on the Forza Horizon series and the upcoming Fable game. The restructuring also involves layoffs, with approximately 268 Xbox employees being let go as part of an ongoing "reset" within the gaming business.