Not only is the studio head for 343 Industries, the team behind the ever-popular Halo franchise, but it seems that Dan Ayoub is leaving the gaming scene all together with his recent announcement. Goodbye team, goodbye Halo, hello new opportunities.

With the goal in mind of “empowerment of education through technology,” he is leaving his team of almost a decade to work with Microsoft on their Mixed Reality. Ayoub certainly has a long list of accomplishments, these are just a few of the hats he has worn through the years:

• Senior Producer at EA (Electronic Arts)
• Games Director at Propaganda Games
• Producer then Executive Producer at Ubisoft

The announcement of his departure from the Halo team was announced via 343 Industries. The statement  talks about the amazing work that Ayoub has contributed, as well as reassurances that support will continue, especially given Halo Wars 2 recent release. The full release is as follows:

Today we’re sad to be saying bon voyage to one of our own, as Dan Ayoub – who’s worked on Halo games since Halo: Reach all the way back in 2009, bids us, and the gaming industry, a fond adieu. Dan is set to begin a new adventure within Microsoft in Mixed Reality, where he’ll be pursuing one of his passions…the empowerment of education through technology.

Although Dan will be staying in the Microsoft family, and won’t be heading too far, our 343 family will miss his wit, wisdom and effort throughout the years. But Halo Wars 2 and its forthcoming DLC are in the safe hands of Dan’s team, with some wonderful DLC and other surprises still to come.

Over the years, Dan has helped us work with amazing studios and partners from literally every corner of the globe. They, like us are going to miss him, and Dan wanted us to express his thanks to both those partners, and to all the Halo fans and community who’ve been the fuel and fire that have ignited his passion and ambition, throughout the years.

So long Dan, and don’t be a stranger! “

We here at DFTG with Dan nothing but the best in his future endeavors and hope to see nothing but success come his way. For more Halo and other gaming news updates, make sure to follow DFTG on Twitter for our live 24 hour news feed.