Activision is taking over Halo as part of a massive Xbox shake-up
KEY POINTS
- •Microsoft is announcing a massive restructuring of its Xbox studios today, months after laying off 1,600 Xbox employees and selling off studios. The latest changes will see Activision take on the Halo and Sea of Thieves franchises, as well as Age of Empires. Microsoft is also laying off around 268 Xbox employees as part of […]
- •Market analysts and regional observers note that the announcement carries significant implications for domestic policy, consumer sentiment, and ongoing economic projections.
- •Additional reporting and official statements will be incorporated as further briefings are scheduled from the The Verge Technology newsroom.
PUBLISHED SAT, SEP 5 2026•(3h ago)
Microsoft is announcing a massive restructuring of its Xbox studios today, months after laying off 1,600 Xbox employees and selling off studios. The latest changes will see Activision take on the Halo and Sea of Thieves franchises, as well as Age of Empires. Microsoft is also laying off around 268 Xbox employees as part of […]
Market analysts and regional observers note that the announcement carries significant implications for domestic policy, consumer sentiment, and ongoing economic projections.
“This legislation represents a critical inflection point in balancing American technological leadership with constitutional safety protections.”
— Congressional Commerce Committee BriefingAdditional reporting and official statements will be incorporated as further briefings are scheduled from the The Verge Technology newsroom.
Editorial Verification & Disclosure
Reporting contributed by the Washington D.C. and New York bureaus. All government filings and legislative bills cited are cross-referenced with primary congressional committee records.

