Ensemble Studios is closing the doors on the studio that brought us the Age of Empires series, and most recently the Halo Wars game. Don’t fret Halo fanboys the game will ship and it will be the last game made by Ensemble Studios. With that, I will post what was announced on the Halo Wars website.
The Ensemble Studios’ closure announcement certainly affects the perception of Halo Wars. Despite that risk, we put our people first. Telling our employees ASAP was the right thing to do. I give Microsoft quite a bit of credit for letting us do that.
We’ve worked with Microsoft to create the best set of options for every employee’s future. For example, there is a deal in place for a new company that will employ some people from Ensemble. It’s premature to announce much about that venture, but it is definite that the new company will pickup and support Halo Wars going forward.
That said, I’m sure some folks will leave before Halo Wars ships. I’ll applaud them for doing what is right for their happiness. Ensemble has always been about our commitment to employees. We’re not going to forget that at the last minute.
We’ve done everything possible to retain everyone through the end of Halo Wars. Any reports about people already being laid off are 100% false. Full timers are still employed and have a job until well after Halo Wars. Contractors still have their contracts. Our goal is to keep everyone here until the game is done.
Halo Wars is going to ship. We want Halo Wars to be awesome. If you’ve read any of the E3 or Leipzig press coverage, you know the game is good. Plus, the new company will support Halo Wars via title updates and DLC.
Finishing the game will be harder now, but it will get done and be great.
Dave Pottinger Halo Wars Lead Designer
So, Does that mean delays? Possibly. Does that mean Microsoft just gobbled up another game studio? Indications point to yes. But, will Ensemble admit it? Probably not.
With that onPause will leave you with the title screenshot of Halo Wars.
