Studio That Made Some Incredible Halo Content is Shutting Down

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Studio That Made Some Incredible Halo Content is Shutting Down

Highlights

  • Axis Studios, known for Halo content, is closing after 24 years due to financial issues. RIP Axis Studios.
  • The studio also worked on Destiny, Call of Duty, and Valorant content, leaving a mark in various AAA shooter franchises.
  • Despite its closure, Axis Studios showcased dynamic capabilities in creating game cinematics for top franchises.

As a long-time gamer and enthusiast of high-quality visual effects and animation in video games, I am deeply saddened by the news of Axis Studios’ closure after 24 years of operation. Having seen their remarkable work on Halo Infinite and various other top franchises, it’s disheartening to know that this Emmy-winning studio is now shutting down due to financial issues, resulting in over 160 job losses.

Axis Studios, the animation and visual effects company behind the breathtaking content in Halo Infinite and various other Halo titles as well as prominent franchises, is unfortunately shutting down following a 24-year tenure. Notably, they produced key visuals for Halo Infinite such as the campaign’s opening cinematic and the Season 1 multiplayer introduction featuring Spartan Commander Laurette Agryna.

I’ve been a passionate fan of Axis Studios since its inception in Glasgow, Scotland, back in 2000. This Emmy-winning animation and visual effects powerhouse has made a name for itself by working on an impressive range of projects for video games, TV shows, films, and theme parks. With branches in Bristol and London, the studio’s reach extended far and wide.

Axis Studios had been Scotland’s leading animation and VFX studio, with its closure leading to the loss of more than 160 jobs, effective immediately. According to a report by the BBC, the studio had a surge of projects during the COVID-19 pandemic, but a decrease in customer projects as well as an increase in labor costs is resulting in unresolvable cash flow issues. In addition to creating multiple cinematics such as Halo Inifnite‘s Gamescom 2021 trailer, Axis Studios was responsible for content in other Halo series entries, including Halo 4: Spartan Ops and Halo 5: Guardians.

Axis Animation not only contributed to the development of the “Halo” series but also worked on other major shooter games such as “Call of Duty,” “Warframe,” and “League of Legends.” The studio is renowned for creating the captivating “Duality” trailer for “Valorant,” which debuted alongside the Duality player card codes during the 2021 “Valorant Champions Tour Masters.” Unfortunately, the redemption process for these codes encountered issues, resulting in every “Valorant” player receiving the coveted Duality card.

R.I.P. Axis Studios

More recently, Axis Studios produced an advertisement for the mobile game “Clash of Clans,” which included football star Erling Haaland transformed into a game character, courtesy of EA Sports FC 24. Despite a distinctive art style contrasting that of the “Halo” series, this project underscores Axis Studios’ versatility and adaptability. Regrettably, after nearly twenty-five years of producing some of the most visually stunning video game cinematics, the studio is shutting down.

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2024-07-18 06:23