In the wake of rumors about Microsoft planning a fresh bout of layoffs, Kiki Wolfkill, one of the company’s long-standing talents, has confirmed her exit from the company on LinkedIn.
“After 28 years, I’ve made the difficult but exhilarating decision to leave Microsoft! Friday was my last day at a place where I grew up and learned so many invaluable lessons – how to listen, lead, be accountable, and most importantly, to care deeply for who you serve – your team and your audience. I’m so grateful for the opportunities that Microsoft has given me and the career that it let me build in an industry that I love,” she wrote.
“At the same time, there is a version of me outside of Microsoft that I’m excited to grow and evolve. I have so many learnings to carry forward and more impact to be made, and I couldn’t be more inspired to climb the next mountain! More to come on that front.”
Wolfkill started her 28-year-long career at Microsoft as an artist with games like Forza, Mass Effect, and Fable under her belt. She also served as an executive producer on Halo 4 before transitioning to transmedia projects, including the ill-fated Halo TV show. It remains one of the trickier challenges she’s faced during her time with Microsoft and Xbox, Halo Infinite aside. She was also involved with A Minecraft Movie, Amazon’s Fallout TV show, and more.
While she seemingly landed on her feet in an industry where times are tough, the same can’t be said for Halo Studios, which has been seeing a fair bit of controversy over working conditions and a struggle to reclaim the franchise’s former glory. But we digress. For now, it’s enough to celebrate a career that has shaped some of our favorite games over the years, and the fact that her departure was her own choice.
As for the next Halo title, Campaign Evolved, it’s reportedly out on July 28th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and Pc.
