No indication’s been given on what’s next for the formerHalohead
FormerHalo Infinitehead of creative Joseph Staten is leaving Microsoft. TheHaloseries veteran is headed for a new adventure, both he and the company have confirmed.
The news broke viaIGN, which reported that the former head of creative would be leaving Microsoft. A Microsoft spokesperson told 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 took tosocial mediato comment on the report. “Hey folks, I am indeed leaving Microsoft,” Staten writes. “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.”
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@Xboxcolleagues for all their understanding and support as I embark on a new adventure.https://t.co/oMR0LXOzZb
— Joseph Staten (@joestaten)August 04, 2025
Staten has worked on a considerable chunk of theHaloseries. He worked as cinematic director for the first threeHalogames, and also worked as lead writer forDestinyat Bungie.
He eventuallyreturned to Microsoftas a senior creative director, eventually taking on a role with 343 Industries. Reports indicated thathe had returnedto the Xbox publishing side earlier this year, around the same time asmajor layoffshappened at Microsoft.
I don’t know why you say goodbye, I sayHalo
Staten’s departure is a notable one for Microsoft, especiallyfollowing other reportsaround 343 Industries. The future of the franchise can hopefully start to look up at some point, but right now,Halo‘s in a weird spot.
The rest of Xbox, meanwhile, is gearing up for the summer. Adual showcase, spotlighting both Xbox Games Studios and a Direct specifically forStarfield, is scheduled for June 11. It will be interesting to see what Xbox has planned for the months ahead.
