Halo Studios Loses Veteran Art Director Amid Studio Uncertainty
Seattle, WA – Glenn Israel, a veteran art director who spent 17 years contributing to teh Halo franchise, has departed Halo Studios, formerly 343 Industries. His departure, announced last week on LinkedIn, is accompanied by a statement hinting at internal concerns within the studio.
Israel’s career with Halo began at Bungie and continued through the development of titles including Halo 3: ODST and Halo Infinite. In his LinkedIn post, Israel stated, “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 indeed absolutely safe to do so next year.”
The art director also addressed the wider games industry,writing,”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’s exit follows a pattern of departures from the Halo Infinite art team, with Rebs Gaming reporting that eight of the nine credited artists have now left Halo Studios. Melissa Boone, the studio’s former chief of staff, also recently departed.
This news arrives ahead of a planned reveal of the studio’s future projects at the halo World Championships later this month. The last main Halo release was Halo Infinite in 2021, which has since experienced a decline in multiplayer player numbers.Israel’s departure also occurs following meaningful layoffs at Microsoft earlier this year.
Eurogamer has reached out to Microsoft for comment.
