Microsoft has confirmed that head of creative on Halo Infinite and cinematic director for the original Halo trilogy, Joseph Staten, is leaving the company. According to IGN, Microsoft hasn’t revealed the reason for Staten’s departure.
Staten also took to Twitter to confirm his departure from Microsoft. He hasn’t revealed his future plans as of yet, but has stated that he will have more to share soon.
Having worked on the cinematics in the critically-acclaimed original Halo trilogy—namely Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, and Halo 3—Staten had also worked with Bungie as the lead writer for Destiny.
After leaving Bungie, Staten joined Microsoft to help work on the franchise strategy for Microsoft’s first-party releases. He also worked with 343 Industries on the campaign for Halo Infinite.
“We’re grateful for Joseph’s contributions to the Halo franchise and Xbox as a whole,” said a Microsoft spokesperson. “We wish him all the best in his new adventure.”
Earlier this year, it was announced that Staten had left 343 Industries to rejoin Xbox Publishing amidst Microsoft’s round of widespread layoffs, with 343 Industries being one of several Xbox studios that were affected.
For more details on Staten’s last project with Microsoft—Halo Infinite—check out our review of the game’s campaign.