Xbox Layoffs Hit 268 More Devs, Rare and Halo Now Under Activision

Xbox has laid off 268 more developers and moved Rare and Halo franchises under Activision's control, according to insider reports. This marks another round of job cuts and studio consolidation.

Another round of layoffs is hitting the gaming industry, and this time it's Xbox making the cuts. According to insider details provided to The Information, 268 more developers have been let go, and there's more: the Rare and Halo franchises are now under Activision's control. Yeah, you read that right.

So what does this mean for you? If you're a fan of Rare's games like Sea of Thieves or the Halo series, this shift could signal changes in how those franchises are managed. Activision, known for Call of Duty, will now oversee these iconic titles. It's a big shake-up for Xbox's studio structure.

The layoffs affect hundreds of game devs, adding to the already grim trend of job cuts across the industry. Studio consolidation is clearly underway, with Xbox reorganizing its portfolio. While the exact reasons aren't fully detailed, it's likely part of a broader strategy to streamline operations.

For players, the immediate impact might not be visible, but over time, the direction of Rare and Halo could shift under Activision's banner. Will we see more frequent releases? Different monetization? Only time will tell. But it's a reminder that the business side of gaming can hit hard.

We've reached out to Xbox for comment and will update if we hear back. In the meantime, our thoughts go out to the developers affected by these cuts. It's a tough time for many in the industry.

What do you think about this move? Are you worried about the future of Rare and Halo? Let us know in the comments.