343 Industries hit hard by Microsoft layoffs

However, 343 may have been affected much more than it is letting on. IGN reports that "significant cuts have been made to 343's Halo development team."

A former staff member included in the layoffs revealed that a quarter of 343's employees were affected by the job cuts. However, the exact number of staff members involved has not been revealed. Sources also shared that 30 people were let go from the art department alone.

According to insiders, 343 Industries was hit "hard with positions impacted across all disciplines."

A senior-level source also revealed that the studio is being reduced to a publishing team. The staff member is no longer with 343 but is familiar with the inner workings of the studio. The situation is still ongoing but the source insists that another studio will be working with 343 on Halo when things settle down.

343 Industries is still reeling from the departure of key people in 2022. Studio founder Bonnie Ross, creative director Tom French and lead narrative designer Aaron Linde all left the company last year. Game director Joseph Staten is also leaving 343 to rejoin Xbox Publishing, causing concern among Halo fans.

Halo's former senior multiplayer designer Tom Wren recently shared on Twitter a scathing assessment of the studio's leadership.

"The layoffs at 343 shouldn't have happened and Halo Infinite should be in a better state," Wren tweeted. "The reason for both of those things is incompetent leadership up top during Halo Infinite development causing massive stress on those working hard to make Halo the best it can be."

Halo Infinite Season 3: Echoes Within is scheduled to release in early March. The new season promises to add new maps, modes, and weapons to the first-person shooter. Hopefully, the upcoming studio will not be affected by the job cuts.