A simple Twitter update from Microsoft has ended the long-running rumors that Brothers in Arms and Borderlands developer Gearbox is crafting a new Halo game.

"Gearbox is NOT working on a Halo title for Microsoft," reads the update, with Joystiq having confirmed the account as a legitimate source for Microsoft statements. Read more »

Microsoft today confirmed the recent rumors that former Metal Gear Solid 4 producer Ryan Payton and ex-id art director Kenneth Scott have joined Microsoft Game Studios, which the comapny says is "working on upcoming and existing Halo games."

The two join what MGS head Phil Spencer described to Edge as a "group of industry heavy hitters," which includes Scott's wife and ex-Gearbox technician Corrinne Yu along with former Bungie writer Frank O'Connor. Read more »