A longtime Halo art director has left Halo Studios, saying he’ll share his full story “when it is absolutely safe” next year.
Halo Studios, the recently rebranded team behind Xbox’s flagship sci-fi series, is currently working on multiple new projects. Since switching from 343 Industries to the more focused “Halo Studios” name, the team has been rebuilding its internal structure, moving to Unreal Engine 5, and teasing a fresh start for the IP.
There’s also been a ton of rumors and leaks around one specific unannounced Halo game, the remake of Halo: Combat Evolved. According to recent reports, the remake is said to be built using a mix of UE5 and legacy Halo tech, specifically a modified Reach-based Blam engine for movement and combat. Sprinting has reportedly been added.
But despite this public-facing momentum, signs are pointing to serious trouble behind the scenes at Halo Studios.
Longtime Halo Veteran Leaves, Says He’ll Share More “When It Is Absolutely Safe”
Earlier this month, Glenn Israel, a veteran art director who had worked on Halo for nearly two decades, announced his departure. In a message shared on LinkedIn, Israel wrote:
“As of today and after seventeen long years, I am officially no longer contributing to the Halo universe. There is little more I can say for the moment, though I intend to share this particular story in its entirety when it is absolutely safe to do so next year. In the meantime, I have a message for anyone and everyone who needs to hear it.
“I know that the state of our industry seems dire, but never forget that you are free to choose. No illusion of security nor promise of wealth or fame or power is worth trading away your health, your dignity, your ethics or values – and no one can force you to. Stay strong, take evidence when necessary, and find where you belong.”
Israel first joined Bungie in 2008 as a senior concept artist before moving to 343 Industries in 2010, helping define the look and feel of Halo’s modern era. His exit lands just weeks before the next big Halo showcase, raising questions about what might be happening inside the studio.
He isn’t the only one leaving, either. Melissa Boon, who served as Chief of Staff at Halo Studios since 2023, also departed less than a month ago, quietly and without public comment.
These exits come as new reports point to growing internal tension at Halo Studios.
In a recent video, Rebs Gaming, a creator known for credible Halo leaks, claimed that multiple sources have confirmed “there are studio leadership issues,” though he says he can’t share specifics yet. Still, these claims haven’t been confirmed by Microsoft, so it’s best to take them with a grain of salt.
As of now, Halo Studios hasn’t publicly addressed the reports or the recent departures. All eyes are on October 24, when the team is set to share what’s next for Halo. Whether that includes the rumored Halo: Combat Evolved remake, or something entirely new, remains to be seen.
What do you think of all this? Do you think the upcoming Halo announcement can turn things around for the studio? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
