Microsoft Starting New Studio for Halo Wars Staff

The Halo Wars lead developer has confirmed that Microsoft is creating another studio for the former employees of Ensemble Studios.

"There's a new studio forming that will rise from Ensemble," announced Graeme Devine, the Lead Designer for Ensemble's last project, the Halo real-time strategy game Halo Wars. "They haven't announced specific plans, so I can't comment on that."

News that survivors of the imminent Ensemble closure will be taken care of by Microsoft is reassuring at a time when the job market for all industries is tightening. Some developers have decided to fend for themselves, starting their own companies in hopes of continuing to develop games for a living. Until plans are finalized, Devine and team are concentrating on developing the best console RTS in history.

"Microsoft is looking at people to find them homes, but frankly right now we're just focusing on finishing the darn game and making sure that's job number one," stated Devine. "I don't think anyone has really thought much beyond that yet. Let's get Halo Wars finished. In this industry, you're only as good as your last game."

Source: Videogamer