Halo Fest 2026, scheduled for December 11-13 in Seattle, will proceed as planned despite significant structural changes at developer Halo Studios, including mass layoffs and the upcoming transition of future game development to Activision. Tashi, Halo Studios' director of competitive engagement, confirmed the event's continuation and stated that news regarding Halo Fest will be released this week.
The event aims to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Halo franchise, offering a platform for the community to connect. Microsoft emphasized that Halo Fest will cater to all fans, regardless of their preferred aspect of the series, whether it be the narrative, characters, music, art, universe, or multiplayer gameplay. Notable appearances will include Steve Downes and Jen Taylor, the voices of Master Chief and Cortana, respectively, alongside various community-focused events.
While some anticipated Halo Fest to be the venue for announcing the next major installment in the series, Tashi's statement suggests that plans may have evolved. Halo Studios has undergone a substantial reduction in workforce, with the remaining team focused on supporting existing titles such as Halo: The Master Chief Collection and Halo Infinite. Future games, including a rumored reboot, are now slated for development at Activision.
Previously, Halo Studios was reportedly working on Halo 2 and Halo 3 remakes, as well as a new live-service game. However, these projects may be impacted or superseded by Activision's reported work on a Halo reboot, following the major organizational shifts within the franchise's development structure.