Unconfirmed rumors claim that Microsoft is exploring plans to outsource parts of Halo's future development to Activision, following reported production issues on recent projects.
The rumor surfaced via a video from Halo journalist Mr Rebs, who detailed supposed production issues faced by Halo Studios. According to the report, the co-development of Halo: Campaign Evolved alongside 15 other studios was mismanaged. An insider source who worked on that project told the journalist that Microsoft is exploring a proposition to have Activision help develop future Halo titles.
As part of that pitch, Call of Duty developer Sledgehammer Games reportedly proposed a Halo multiplayer game. The source claims Activision tested a Halo prototype that reached the blockout phase, where basic gameplay mechanics and player movement were tested. Microsoft reportedly decided not to greenlight Sledgehammer's prototype pitch in July, though the broader proposition with Activision is said to still be under exploration.
While this is the first specific detail regarding a Sledgehammer pitch, it aligns with previous remarks from Windows Central reporter Jez Corden, who previously stated that Microsoft might place Halo under Activision, though he did not believe it at the time. Activision Blizzard became part of Xbox Studios following its acquisition in 2023, making cross-studio collaboration technically feasible.
Source Reliability and Context
Credibility Rating: 2 / 5 Stars
This report rests on a single insider source cited by a community journalist, with no official confirmation from Microsoft, Xbox, or Activision. While Windows Central's Jez Corden previously floated the possibility of Activision taking on the franchise, neither Activision nor Microsoft has verified that any such partnership or prototype pitch has been approved or actively greenlit.
For now, players should treat these claims as unverified industry gossip. Halo: Campaign Evolved is currently available on PC.