Joseph Staten, one of the big names in Halo, is leaving Microsoft. A new adventure opens up to him, vagueness reigns around the license.
In all industries, there are personnel movements. It’s what keeps the world alive, you might say. Some departures, however, are very noticeable. We think in particular of those of senior executives or public figures associated with a company, a product or a license. Those who know the Halo saga, for example, know the name of Joseph Staten. Today the man has decided to leave the big Microsoft family.
Joseph Staten, one of the great names in Haloleaves Microsoft
Joseph Staten, one of the creatives behind the Halo franchise, has therefore made the decision to leave Microsoft. The news of his departure had been announced by IGN at the start of the weekend. “We thank Joseph for his many contributions to the Halo license and to Xbox as a whole,” the Redmond firm told the American blog. “We wish him all the best in his new adventure.” Joseph Staten had quickly confirmed the information, a few hours later the same day. “Hey everyone, indeed, I am leaving Microsoft well“, he wrote on Twitter. “I will have more information to share soon, but for now I would just like to thank all of my colleagues at Xbox for their understanding and support as I prepare for a brand new adventure.”
Joseph Staten was the writer and cinematic director for the first three games. Halo of Bungie before serving as co-creative director on Destiny. He left the studio in 2013 and joined Microsoft the following year as senior creative director with the Xbox Games Studios team. In 2020, he moved to 343 Industries to help the studio finalize its work on Halo Infinite.
A new adventure opens up to him, vagueness reigns around the license
Joseph Staten’s departure from Microsoft comes after a few months of great uncertainty around 343 and Halo. In January, the company reassigned Joseph Staten to its Xbox publishing division when it “laid off at least” 95 employees. Later that same month, Bloomberg reported that the studio was “working from scratch” on a new game Halo in an attempt to revive interest in the franchise.
Hey folks, I am indeed leaving Microsoft. I’ll have more info to share soon, but for now, I’d just like to thank all my @Xbox colleagues for all their understanding and support as I embark on a new adventure. https://t.co/oMR0LXOzZb
— Joseph Staten (@joestaten) April 8, 2023