Xbox head Phil Spencer has remarked that Microsoft is all committed to the Halo franchise and developer 343 Industries.
In an interview after the recently concluded Xbox and Bethesda Developer Direct showcase, Spencer said “the heart and soul of Halo are with 343 and the team’s there, and I have the utmost confidence in the team that's there and leading and the plan that they have going forward.”
The comments of Spencer came after 343 was reportedly “hit hard” by Microsoft’s recently announced company-wide layoffs. The news prompted 343 to publish a brief statement on the layoffs. “Halo and Master Chief are here to stay,” studio head Pierre Hintze said. “343 Industries will continue to develop Halo now and in the future, including epic stories, multiplayer, and more of what makes Halo great.”
The layoffs were an effort by Microsoft to position 343 for the future as per Spencer. “What we're doing now is we want to make sure that the leadership team is set up with the flexibility to build the plan that they need to go build,” he said. “Halo will remain critically important to what Xbox is doing, and 343 is critically important to the success of Halo.” “I expect that we'll be continuing to support and grow Halo for as long as the Xbox is a platform for people to play.”