2023 has been a mixture of challenges and triumphs for 343 Industries and Halo Infinite. After starting the year with massive reshuffling and layoffs, it was safe to say there was a lot of concern for not only the developers but also the state of Halo. Even with the challenges facing the studio this year so far, they still managed to release a content-filled Season 3 this week. Possibly one of the most well-received updates as well is packed with a wealth of new content. However, this update does come with a sad note as it appears that Joseph Staten, the Head of Creative at 343 Industries has indeed departed the studio.
It was reported back in January that Staten was departing 343 Industries and that he would be returning to the Xbox Publishing brand later in 2023. This was reported by reliable anonymous sources from 343 Industries at the time, and we never got official confirmation from the studio or Xbox in regard to these rumors. But today, with the release of Season 3 for Halo Infinite it appears that Staten’s time with Halo has indeed come to a close. In a tweet, he states how proud of the team he is with the launch of Season 3. And that he is “excited as a Halo fan to see what’s coming next.” Alongside this tweet, his Twitter bio now states that he is a “Partner, Creative Director at Xbox Publishing”. This essentially confirms the reports from January, and that Staten remained at 343 to ensure/be part of the launch of Season 3.
As a long-time fan of Halo, it is sad to see Staten once again depart from the franchise. While 343 Industries has been through a lot over the past few months but with the release of a promising Season 3, it appears that Staten has left the studio in good hands. Hopefully, after all the reshuffling in leadership at the studio, they will be able to find continued success with Halo Infinite. Only time will tell.
Very proud of all the work the team has done to launch Season 3, and I’m excited as a @Halo fan to see what’s coming next. https://t.co/RFWcSP4oTu
— Joseph Staten (@joestaten) March 7, 2023
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