Halo Studios says it remains determined to release two upcoming Halo stories despite mass layoffs and the franchise’s move under Activision’s supervision.
Halo Studios is determined to release two upcoming Halo stories despite the studio’s recent layoffs and the wider shakeup that has seen the franchise move under Activision’s supervision.
Franchise writer Alex Wakeford has addressed concerns surrounding Troy Denning’s Halo: Fireteam Noble and Kenneth Peters’ Halo: Burn the Road Home novella, both of which were thrown into uncertainty following Xbox’s sweeping restructuring.
While Halo Studios cannot yet guarantee that Fireteam Noble will reach store shelves, Wakeford said the studio is committed to getting the project across the finish line.
Wakeford wrote in a Halo Waypoint blog post: “Many have been asking whether this novel will still be releasing. To this we can say that it is absolutely our intent to see this project cross the finish line.”
Wakeford added that Denning has already written “a fantastic story” and that much of the editorial process has been completed.
He said: “In my remaining time at the studio, I will be doing all I can to ensure this can be achieved.”
Wakeford offered similar reassurance for Burn the Road Home, saying the team is “determined to see this through to completion”.
The future of Halo’s expanded universe has been uncertain since Xbox announced hundreds of job cuts across its gaming division.
Halo Studios has also been removed from direct responsibility for future games, with Activision now overseeing development of the next Halo title.
Xbox executive Matt Booty previously confirmed that a small team would remain at Halo Studios to support existing games and the wider Halo community.
Fireteam Noble was previously scheduled for release next year and takes place after the events of Halo 5.
Denning is a veteran Halo author who has written several acclaimed novels and also contributed to Halo: Campaign Evolved.
Details on Burn the Road Home remain limited, although Halo Studios previously said the novella would be “dropping out of slipspace next year”.
Wakeford’s latest post also included previously unseen concept art from Zeta Halo, the setting of Halo Infinite, while marking the end of his Canon Fodder series exploring the franchise’s lore.
Wakeford wrote: “With that, Canon Fodder has come to an end. Forever? Who knows, eh?”
Despite the upheaval at Halo Studios, the comments suggest the franchise’s expanded universe will continue for now. Whether both books ultimately survive the transition to Activision’s oversight remains to be seen, but the studio isn’t giving up on them yet.
Halo Studios ‘determined’ to release new books despite job cuts
