Halo team expansion confirmed by Microsoft

Microsoft Game Studios has confirmed a raft of new talent hired to flesh out its internal Halo game development team.

A statement from MGS head Phil Spencer confirms that another MGS (but this time Metal Gear Solid) name has joined the studio – in the form of former MGS4 assistant producer Ryan Payton – plus key technical talent and a writing staff.

The statement reads:

"Microsoft has confirmed the addition of Ryan Payton, formerly of Kojima Productions to Microsoft Game Studios.

"Payton joins a group of industry heavy hitters to recently arrive at Microsoft Game Studios, including Corrinne Yu from Gearbox and Kenneth Scott of id Software, as well as David Wu from Pseudo Interactive and Frank O’Connor, a Bungie veteran.

"Microsoft Game Studios is thrilled to have such talented people working to develop new and exciting projects within the Halo universe and supporting existing projects from studios like Bungie and Ensemble."