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BusinessQuiet 42h · day 2

Xbox transfers Rare, Halo to Activision; Ninja Theory closure proposed

Microsoft shifts legendary studios and franchise to Activision as part of broad restructuring, with 268 additional roles eliminated.

newest coverage 1d agosummary written 1d ago2 pieces NewswiresGoogle News

What to know

  • Microsoft transferred Rare and the Halo franchise to Activision, continuing its studio reorganization under CEO Asha Sharma's "resetting of the business."
  • Ninja Theory faces proposed closure after two sale agreements failed, with consultation beginning with employees.
  • 268 additional roles are being cut at Halo Studios and other teams; a new, separate team will lead the next Halo title.
  • Undead Labs successfully transitioned to a new publisher and will release State of Decay 3 day one on Game Pass.

Microsoft / Xbox Parent company initiating restructuringAsha SharmaAsha Sharma Xbox CEORare UK studio transferred to ActivisionNinja Theory Studio facing proposed closureHalo Studios Franchise owner losing Halo to ActivisionActivision Acquiring studio and franchise

How it unfolded 1 development · click the chart to see its coverage articles

Peak 1 piece in one hour at Sep 22, 3 AM; 2 pieces over 2 days (2 articles) Sep 22, 3 AM — 1 piece · 1 article — Google News 1Sep 22, 4 AM — quietSep 22, 5 AM — quietSep 22, 6 AM — quietSep 22, 7 AM — quietSep 22, 8 AM — quietSep 22, 9 AM — 1 piece · 1 article — Newswires 1Sep 22, 10 AM — quietSep 22, 11 AM — quietSep 22, 12 PM — quietSep 22, 1 PM — quietSep 22, 2 PM — quietSep 22, 3 PM — quietSep 22, 4 PM — quietSep 22, 5 PM — quietSep 22, 6 PM — quietSep 22, 7 PM — quietSep 22, 8 PM — quietSep 22, 9 PM — quietSep 22, 10 PM — quietSep 22, 11 PM — quietYesterday, 12 AM — quietYesterday, 1 AM — quietYesterday, 2 AM — quietYesterday, 3 AM — quietYesterday, 4 AM — quietYesterday, 5 AM — quietYesterday, 6 AM — quietYesterday, 7 AM — quietYesterday, 8 AM — quietYesterday, 9 AM — quietYesterday, 10 AM — quietYesterday, 11 AM — quietYesterday, 12 PM — quietYesterday, 1 PM — quietYesterday, 2 PM — quietYesterday, 3 PM — quietYesterday, 4 PM — quietYesterday, 5 PM — quietYesterday, 6 PM — quietYesterday, 7 PM — quietYesterday, 8 PM — quietYesterday, 9 PM — quietYesterday, 10 PM — quietYesterday, 11 PM — quietToday, 12 AM — quietToday, 1 AM — quietToday, 2 AM — quietToday, 3 AM — quiet 1
yesterdaynow · 4:43 AM ET
  1. 1

    Undead Labs finds new publisher for State of Decay 3

    Microsoft confirmed that Undead Labs has successfully transitioned to a new publisher on similar terms and will release State of Decay 3 day one on Game Pass.

    “Undead Labs has now successfully transitioned on similar terms and, with a new publisher, will release State of Decay 3 day one on Game Pass.”
    — Microsoft
  2. background

    Microsoft cuts 268 roles at Halo Studios and other teams — Major staff reductions announced at former 343 Industries (now Halo Studios) alongside the broader restructuring. Microsoft said the next Halo title would be led by a new, purpose-built team separate from ongoing development and Call of Duty plans, with a small team continuing community support.

  3. background

    Microsoft proposes closure of Ninja Theory after failed sales — Microsoft announced the proposed closure of Ninja Theory after two separate sale agreements fell through. The company will begin consultation with employees while exploring alternative paths forward.

  4. background

    Microsoft transfers Rare and Halo franchise to Activision — Xbox announced via blog post that legendary UK studio Rare and ownership of the Halo franchise have been transferred to Activision. The transfer is part of broader restructuring efforts under CEO Asha Sharma's "resetting of the business."