Halo veteran Joseph Staten is leaving Microsoft

No indication’s been given on what’s next for the former Halo head

Former Halo Infinite head of creative Joseph Staten is leaving Microsoft. The Halo series veteran is headed for a new adventure, both he and the company have confirmed.

The news broke via IGN, 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 to social media to 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 @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

Staten has worked on a considerable chunk of the Halo series. He worked as cinematic director for the first three Halo games, and also worked as lead writer for Destiny at Bungie.

He eventually returned to Microsoft as a senior creative director, eventually taking on a role with 343 Industries. Reports indicated that he had returned to the Xbox publishing side earlier this year, around the same time as major layoffs happened at Microsoft.

I don’t know why you say goodbye, I say Halo

Staten’s departure is a notable one for Microsoft, especially following other reports around 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. A dual showcase, spotlighting both Xbox Games Studios and a Direct specifically for Starfield, is scheduled for June 11. It will be interesting to see what Xbox has planned for the months ahead.

Eric Van Allen

Senior News Reporter