Halo-veteraner uttrycker sorg efter Microsofts massvarsel

Vi kunde under gårdagen rapportera om att Microsoft och deras Xbox-division fortsätter sin omstrukturering vilket hittills inneburit att sammanlagt över 1800 utvecklare fått kicken och ett tiotal studios antingen fösts in under en annan studio, eller lagts ned. En av de hårdast drabbade i allt detta var nyligen ombyggda Halo Studios som tidigare gick under namnet 343 Industries, där de flesta fick stöveln igår, i samma veva som Xbox meddelade att Call of Duty-skaparna Activison övertar Halo som spelserie. Efter detta blev klart har flertalet gamla Halo-veteraner via Linkedin uttryckt sorg, medömkan och rent raseri.

”Gutted to hear the news today. Sending love and support to everyone impacted by the layoffs at Halo Studios and across Xbox. I know how much talent, heart, and care these teams pour into this work, and how deeply this can affect individuals, families, and teams.”
/Före detta Halo executive producer Kiki Wolfkill

”Shocked but not entirely surprised by the news of Halo Studios closure and moving the franchise to an Activision team. Wishing the best for all the devs who were affected by this decision.”
/Före detta Art director, Bungie & Halo: Combat Evolved Marcus Lehto

”It was difficult to wake up to the news that the Halo Studio is essentially being shut down today, with only a small number of roles remaining. Hundreds of incredibly talented team members are being impacted with creatives, designers, engineers, producers, artists, narrative and audio specialists, data insights, Ops, community leaders and franchise teams who poured their passion into Halo, gaming, and engaging and serving players and fans. My thoughts are with every Halo team member and with the broader Xbox teams affected. For teams looking to hire, you will not find a more dedicated, capable, or community-driven group of people. Their talent and heart run deep.”
/Före detta Halo-boss Bonnie Ross

”So many lovely friends over at Halo Studios are dealing with the massive layoff today as Microsoft shifts Halo development to Activision. With the level of talent in that building, and how hard everyone’s been working, it’s just heartbreaking to hear. I’m sending you all good vibes.”
/För detta 343 Industries Art director Horia Dociu

“After spending 4+ years with the Halo team and seeing their passion for the franchise and love for the game and fans, it is absolutely brutal to see that studio reduced to a shell that’s only there to keep the servers turned on (until such time as Xbox decides they’ve been on long enough and closes down the last remnants). The whole reason I left EA and went to Xbox in the first place was to work on Halo, the ‘crown jewel’ of Xbox and one of the most storied gaming franchises of all time. To see that jewel being functionally thrown in the garbage hurts a lot. My heart goes out to the now-former Halo team, as well as everyone else who was impacted today. All of you are incredible talents, you didn’t deserve this, and it absolutely sucks.”
/Före detta Halo PR Manager Brad Hilderbrand