Halo and Destiny writer and design director Joseph Staten has returned to Microsoft Game Studios.
Staten was involved with every Halo title between the original Combat Evolved which was released in 2001 and 2009's Halo 3: ODST. Following the separation of Bungie from Microsoft Game Studios he worked on the forthcoming Destiny until leaving the studio in September, 2013 after 15 years.
Microsoft studio manager Mike Ybarra revealed the news on Twitter where he commented:
Thrilled to welcome back Joe Staten to the Microsoft Studios family. #XboxOne
— Mike Ybarra (@XboxQwik) January 9, 2014
It is not currently clear what project Staten is working on at Microsoft and if he has returned to the Halo franchise at its new caretaker, 343 Industries.
Earlier this week it was revealed that 343 senior art director Kenneth Scott has left the developer.
“In order to be with his family, Kenneth Scott and 343 Industries have agreed to transition his current role," a Microsoft spokesperson informed IGN. Scott's wife, Corinne Yu, departed from 343 in November last year to join Naughty Dog in California.
