{
  "id": 9909561,
  "title": "Microsoft Xbox layoffs: Halo Cinematic Director fired days after promotion — ‘Pretty wild’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/microsoft-xbox-layoffs-halo-cinematic-director-fired-days-after",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-26T04:46:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Live Mint",
    "slug": "live-mint",
    "url": "https://www.livemint.com/news/trends/microsoft-xbox-layoffs-halo-cinematic-director-fired-days-after-promotion-pretty-wild-11790396500899.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a sudden turn of events, Josh Daniels, the cinematic director at Halo Studios, found himself both promoted and laid off within the same week. This abrupt action marks one of the 268 job cuts announced by Microsoft's Xbox division. Daniels, who has been with the company for 11 years, was among the employees affected by the restructuring effort at Xbox. He took to LinkedIn to express his surprise over the timing of his termination, stating that he is open to discussing roles in Cinematic Direction or Production. Microsoft is currently undertaking a broader plan to eliminate 3,200 jobs across its gaming division, with the strategic shift for the Halo franchise being particularly notable. The next Halo game will now be developed by Activision, while Halo Studios continues to manage existing titles and player communities.",
  "summary": "Josh Daniels was among the 268 employees affected by the latest round of layoffs at Microsoft's Xbox division.",
  "key_points": [
    "Josh Daniels, Halo Cinematic Director, fired after promotion.",
    "Microsoft Xbox announces 268 job cuts, including Daniels.",
    "Next Halo game to be developed by Activision."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The sudden layoff of a high-profile employee like Josh Daniels, despite his recent promotion, signals a significant shift in Microsoft's Xbox strategy, particularly for the Halo franchise.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}