Xbox Reportedly Explored Having "Activision Help Develop Halo Game"

Halo’s future may have taken a bizarre detour behind closed doors. Microsoft reportedly explored bringing Activision into the franchise, with Sledgehammer Games considered for multiplayer development. The latest claims come from Halo reporter Rebs Gaming, who cited a source familiar with Halo: Campaign Evolved (via PureXbox).

The prototype reportedly lasted only weeks

According to Rebs Gaming, Activision tested a Halo multiplayer pitch in June 2026. The prototype reportedly remained in the blockout stage, focusing on basic mechanics such as player movement.

The project was reportedly canceled in early July. That cancellation apparently affected the prototype rather than Microsoft’s wider interest in an Activision partnership.

Rebs claims Microsoft is still exploring whether Activision could contribute to future Halo projects. However, no Activision-made Halo game has reportedly received the green light just yet.

Sledgehammer’s name makes the rumor especially interesting. The studio has spent years working on Call of Duty, including Vanguard and Modern Warfare III.

Halo’s development model appears to be changing

The report comes alongside some other claims about Halo’s increasing reliance on outside studios. Rebs reportedly counted 15 external studios among Campaign Evolved’s development credits. That does not prove Activision will receive a Halo project.But, it doesn’t rule out the possibly either. All that said, it does show how Microsoft’s approach may be shifting toward larger co-development partnerships.