343 Industries Isn't Going Anywhere And Will Continue To Develop Halo To “Make It Great”

In case anyone was thinking, or perhaps even hoping, that 343 Industries would no longer be working on the Halo franchise, they can keep on dreaming. 343 Industries’ new Studio Head Pierre Hintze, who took over after Bonnie Ross’ departure, shared a message on Twitter, saying, “Halo and Master Chief are here to stay. 343 Industries will continue to develop Halo now and in the future, including epic stories, multiplayer, and more of what makes Halo great.”

This announcement follows the sudden mass layoffs of 10,000 people across Microsoft, 343 Industries, in particular, getting hit hard. CEO of Microsoft Phil Spencer addressed his former employees in an email conveying his sympathy. "This is a challenging moment in our business, and this week’s actions were painful choices," the email reads. "The Gaming Leadership Team had to make decisions that we felt set us up for the long-term success of our products and business, but the individual results of those decisions are real. I know that hurts. Thank you for supporting our colleagues as they process these changes."

Joseph Staten, former Halo Infinite creative director, recently decided to walk away from 343 Industries and rejoin Xbox's publishing division. Staten took to Twitter to use his position and platform to help those who lost their jobs find “great new ones.”

Hey folks, right now I’m 100% focused on helping people who lost their jobs find great new ones.

The outpouring of support from other studios has been amazing. Please, keep it coming.

If you’d like a reference for someone you’re considering, my DMs are open. 💚

— Joseph Staten (@joestaten) January 20, 2023

Amongst a flood of layoffs and staff changes, a rumor began to circulate of the possibility that 343 Industries would be taken off lead development of the Halo franchise. In response to the rumors, 343 Industries has made it known that they aren't going anywhere, and neither is their hold on the Halo IP.