Halo Studios Is No Longer Making Halo – Unlocked 755
Sep 24, 2026 · 1h 18m
Summary
This episode of Podcast Unlocked analyzes Microsoft’s latest Xbox restructuring, which includes 268 job cuts and the controversial decision to move Halo development from Halo Studios to a new team within Activision. Hosts discuss the implications of this shift, predicting a franchise reboot on the Call of Duty engine to ensure faster delivery and Xbox exclusivity. The conversation also covers the closure of Ninja Theory, the independence of Undead Labs, and the broader consolidation of studios like Bethesda, Obsidian, and Playground Games under new leadership.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Quince and Progressive Insurance
Intro and Ryan's 32nd Birthday
Xbox Reset: Asa Sharma's Restructuring Note
Halo Handoff to Activision and 343 Studios
Halo History, Leadership Failures, and Activision's Track Record
Sponsor: Factor Meals
Speculating on Next Halo: Reboot, Timeline, and Tech
Which Activision Studio Will Develop Halo?
Will the Next Halo Be Xbox Exclusive?
Sponsor: Apple Card and Gatorade
Ninja Theory Closure and Hellblade's Future
Undead Labs and State of Decay 3
World's Edge, Rare, and Sea of Thieves
Bethesda, Obsidian, and InXile Mergers
Playground Games and Turn 10 Merger
Bungie Reverses Destiny 2 Sunset Decision
Control: Resonant Impressions
Sponsor: Humble Bundle and IGN 30th Anniversary
Ryan's New Role and Upcoming Reviews
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