Phil Spencer took the time to do that Online magazine IGN and chatted in an interview about the future and current projects of his department. His comments on 343 Industries and the Halo series, albeit brief ones, are interesting.
Spencer emphasized that despite the layoffs at 343 Industries, Microsoft intends to continue to “fully support and expand” Halo. “The heart and soul of Halo is at 343 and the team is there,” said Spencer.
The Xbox boss also emphasized that Microsoft remains committed to the Halo series and developer 343: “I have the utmost confidence in the team that is working there and the plan they have for the future.”
Significant cuts on Halo Infinite
Spencer’s comments come at just the right time for many fans of the Halo series. The exact number of employees that Microsoft has laid off at the developer studio is not known. It just meant that the developers of Halo Infinite had to accept significant cuts.
Infographic Microsoft: Development of full-time employees after wave of layoffs
Defiant “we’re staying” message
The news prompted 343 to issue a brief statement on the layoffs last weekend. It was also emphasized that we want to continue. “Halo and Master Chief are here to stay,” said studio head Pierre Hintze. “343 Industries will continue to develop Halo now and into the future, including epic stories, multiplayer and more of what makes Halo great.” According to Spencer, the layoffs at 343 are part of plans to future-proof the development studio. “What we’re doing now is we want to make sure the leadership team has the flexibility to develop the plan that they need,” he said. “Halo will continue to be critical to what Xbox does, and 343 is critical to Halo’s success.”
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