Activision reportedly rejects Halo Studios boss, putting future games in jeopardy

As part of the latest restructuring, Xbox announced that Activision will develop the next mainline Halo game. Even so, Halo Studios boss Pierre Hintze apparently hasn’t given up on completing projects. That’s problematic since the company now in charge of the shooter franchise allegedly “wants nothing to do with Pierre.”

In survival mode

The leaker who predicted the demise of Halo Studios has offered insight into its current status. In a YouTube video, Rebs Gaming claims that around 30 employees survived the upheaval. Xbox Executive VP and Chief Content Officer Matt Booty reportedly let Hintze retain developers from his “inner circle.”

Before Microsoft’s announcement, Halo 2 and 3 remakes, as well as the 7th entry in the series, were in their initial stages. Additionally, a spinoff of the First Strike novel was meant to ship between Campaign Evolved and the follow-up remake. This project was an exception, but the other games were likely years away from launch.

Hintze believes that he can still produce smaller releases with the help of generative AI and outsourcing. That said, a Rebs Gaming source doubts Activision would agree to work alongside the controversial executive. Microsoft’s press statement says a new team at the publisher will create the next Halo game.

The YouTube video highlights how Hintze recently provided a content update to Matt Booty and Xbox for the 7th installment. It's unclear how Activision’s mainline title differs from the existing concept. It’s also debatable whether future remakes will surface anytime soon.

Searching for accountability

Both Rebs Gaming and his source question why Booty hasn’t lost faith in the Halo Studios lead. Beyond the lack of production, Hintze has faced disturbing allegations. In July, a report emerged about him verbally abusing employees and showing favoritism to friends.

Even if Activision’s team proves more efficient, fans may not initially see a regular cadence of titles. In a separate rumor, the leaks_infinite account revealed that Halo 2, 3, and 7 are all on ice.