Xbox Looks Like It's Replacing Halo With Starfield As Flagship Franchise

Microsoft's leading intergalactic blockbuster franchises are heading for quite the mix-up, as it appears the classic phrase of "out with the old and in with the new" is about to ring true.

For over a decade, Microsoft's subsidiary 343 Industries has been the provider of Xbox's flagship game, combining the Halo franchise releases and console bundles to ramp up the sales between both.

However, after the embarrassing flop that was Halo Infinite, it appears that the heavy layoffs in Microsoft's employee roster weren't the only severance this week. It appears Master Chief has also been cast aside.

Is Starfield Microsoft's Flagship Franchise?

Recent reports suggested that a large bulk of the 1,000 ex-Microsoft employees that lost their jobs were under the 343 Industries' banner, and now it might be clear why.

Xbox ownership has opted to put its eggs in Starfield's basket. The Bethesda title is set to release in the "first half" of 2023, and according to new leaks, Starfield has now become the flagship franchise for the Xbox Series X. 

The leaks show how a new retail box in China is decorated with a Starfield poster, indicating that the upcoming title is knocking Master Chief off his pedestal.

Microsoft Promotes Starfield To Their Flagship Title

Starfield is set to be one of the biggest titles ever, combining the size of Skyrim and Fallout 4 (plus a bit more). As Bethesda's golden child, the upcoming title is hoping to launch Microsoft into a new realm of popularity. 

Whether this persists in the future is yet to be seen. Microsoft has a wealth of huge games coming its way in the future (probably), meaning Starfield might not be the golden boy for long. 

Bethesda's next Elder Scrolls instalment could also become a monumental game worthy of Microsoft's support, while the pending merger with Activision could sway them to promote Call of Duty instead.

What is quite safe to say is that Halo is out, and Microsoft's love child might just be put to rest in favour of new galactic enterprises.