Joseph Staten, a long-time Halo veteran and senior creative director for Xbox publishing, has left Microsoft after nine years with the company. According to reports from IGN, Staten confirmed his departure on Twitter and expressed his gratitude towards his colleagues for their support during his departure.
Staten’s Departure
Staten worked on the first three Halo games at Bungie before leaving the company and joining Microsoft in 2014. He served as senior creative director for Xbox publishing and later joined 343 Industries in 2020 to help develop Halo Infinite.
Microsoft laid off over 10,000 employees in January, and 343 Industries was strongly affected. Staten left 343 Industries and rejoined Xbox publishing. He has now left Microsoft altogether.
The Future of 343 Industries
Despite Staten’s departure, the future of 343 Industries seems to be on solid ground. Studio lead Pierre Hintze assured fans that the team will continue to develop Halo, and Phil Spencer went on to say that 343 Industries is “critically important” to Microsoft.
Comments from Xbox
Xbox expressed their gratitude for Staten’s contributions to the Halo franchise and the company as a whole in a statement to IGN.
“We’re grateful for Joseph’s contributions to the Halo franchise and Xbox as a whole. We wish him all the best in his new adventure.”
Staten’s Next Move?
Staten did not reveal where he will be heading next or what his new adventure will entail. However, he did promise to share more information with his followers in the near future.
In the meantime, fans of the Halo franchise are eagerly anticipating the release of Halo Infinite later this year.
