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As part of Xbox's major restructuring, Microsoft has handed development of the next mainline Halo game to Call of Duty publisher Activision, following the effective closure of Halo Studios and disappointing reception to 2021's Halo Infinite. Former Halo leaders Bonnie Ross and Kiki Wolfkill expressed sympathy for laid-off staff, with one employee reportedly promoted and then fired in the same week amid the chaos. Fans are divided over whether Activision should reboot the franchise's lore and continuation of Master Chief's story, and are also worried about the fate of this year's Halo Fest event. Commentators note that while change was arguably needed for the struggling franchise, handing the reins to Activision presents a huge challenge, given the drastic gutting of the team that built the series. The move marks one of the most significant shakeups in Xbox's first-party history.