Update:

A Microsoft spokesperson has since issued a statement, saying:

343 Industries has assembled an all-star cast of talent working on " Halo 4 " under the design leadership of Studio and " Halo 4 " Creative Director, Josh Holmes. We're excited to tell the next story in the "Halo" universe with "Halo 4" as the first game in the Reclaimer Trilogy. Ryan Payton, who left earlier this summer, served as Narrative Designer on "Halo 4" for 15 months. Armando Troisi was hired as the "Halo 4" Narrative Director in March, having formerly served as the Lead Cinematic Designer on "Mass Effect 2." Ryan has been a great friend and colleague during his tenure at 343 Industries and we appreciate his contributions to the team. We wish Ryan the best in his new game development venture.

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Ryan Payton has left 343 Industries - the team responsible Halo 4.Payton, who worked on Metal Gear Solid 4 , was tasked with developing the game's story and overseeing the creative team who were planning the next trilogy of Halo games.Speaking to, Payton said, "I had a great run at Microsoft. I don't regret one day of it. But after a few years, there came a point where I wasn't creatively excited about the project anymore."But he took pain to stress that it wasn't because the game was turning out badly. It was simply not in line with his original vision. "The Halo I wanted to build was fundamentally different and I don't think I had built enough credibility to see such a crazy endeavor through."I think time is the most valuable thing we have," said Payton, "and I've decided that I'm not going to waste one more day working on something that doesn't speak to my values."Are you disappointed over the departure of Payton? Or are you still confident that a non-Bungie developed Halo can still deliver?Halo 4 is expected for release late in 2012.