Xbox chief Phil Spencer assures fans of Halo's future despite massive layoff of 343i

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer assured fans that Halo still has a future despite the layoff greatly affecting 343 Industries, which is currently responsible for the game's development. In an interview with IGNthe Xbox manager said "the heart and soul of Halo is with 343 and the team is there, and I have the utmost faith in the team that's there and leading and in the plan that's there." they have for the future. »

Microsoft recent dismissal affected 10 employees. One of the company's teams that would have been hardest hit was 000i, which had many fans worried about the Halo franchise. Nonetheless, Spencer stressed the importance of Halo and the 343i and said the move would better solidify the latter's position.

"What we're doing now is we want to make sure the leadership team is set up with the flexibility to build the blueprint they need to build," Spencer said. “Halo will remain critically important to what Xbox does, and 343 is critically important to the success of Halo. »

Additionally, while Halo's future plans haven't been clarified, Spencer said 343i has a lot to share going forward.

"I'm going to let 343 talk about the plans they have right now, that people know they have the next season coming up, and they're excited about it," Spencer explained. “They have other things, some rumored, some announced, that they will be working on. They are excited about the upcoming plan. I look at, say, the work they've done on Forge and the amazing support we've had from the creators there. The Halo timeline… Halo will always be one of those things in my mind that's part of Xbox lore, part of the foundation of what Xbox is.

"I expect that we will continue to support and grow Halo for as long as Xbox is a gaming platform," he added. So I think the timeline continues and aligns on Xbox, and I want to make sure the team is in place to be successful with that.

Before Spencer's statement, the head of 343i, Pierre Hintze clarified concerns about Halo and Master Chief on the studio's Twitter page.

“Halo and Master Chief are here to stay. » by Hintze declaration bed. “343 Industries will continue to develop Halo now and in the future, including epic stories, multiplayer and more of what makes Halo great. »