Shelley: Two new studios to emerge from Ensemble

Ensemble head Bruce Shelley's made his final blog update before the studio closes, confirming that "at least" two new studios are to be born from the ashes.

"There are at least two new studios being formed by ES employees and I expect both to do very well," he said.

"There were a lot of outstanding game developers here and it will be interesting to see how and what they do, both individually and as new groups, in the years ahead."

Microsoft decided to close the studio following the completion of Halo Wars.

Shelley added a sentimental note to the closure: the development legend was employee number four at Ensemble in 1995.

"We are working our way through the final week with mixed emotions," he said.

"We have a lot to be proud of and new opportunities are beckoning, but it is also sad to see this particular great adventure coming to an end."

Halo Wars releases on February 27.