Summary
Microsoft reportedly has big plans for itsHalofranchise, teasing that celebrations are in store for its genre-defining series. The company is reportedly “building” plans to celebrateHalo’s 25th anniversary, a monumental achievement for one of the world’s most celebrated FPS series. Microsoft also has big things in store for other franchises, likeCall of DutyandStarCraft, though the company seems especially excited about the future ofHalo.
Few titles have helped shape the modern FPS genre quite likeHalo. What started as Microsoft’s “system seller” in 2001 withthe originalHalo: Combat Evolvedquickly grew into a world-renowned franchise, confirming that both Microsoft and its new Xbox gaming console could stand on their own in a competitive market.Combat Evolvedalso helped put developer Bungie on the map, a team that would lead theHalobrand in new and exciting directions over the following decade.Halo Infinite, the most recent release in the franchise, is nearing its third anniversary.Infinitelaunched alongside Microsoft’s newest console, the Xbox Series X, in 2021, ushering in yet another new age for the company and theHalobrand. AsHaloinches closer to its 25th anniversary, Microsoft has shared what players can expect for the franchise’s future.
Halo, as well asthe original Xbox console, will both turn 25 years old in 2026, and Microsoft seems to have plenty in store for this milestone. Head of Xbox gaming consumer products, John Friend, recently talked withLicense Globalabout Xbox andHalo’s upcoming 25th anniversary, explaining plans are being built to help celebrate this accomplishment. “We have these massive, fantastic franchises ranging fromWorld of Warcraftcelebrating its 20th anniversary this year toHalo,Call of Duty,StarCraft,and much more,” said Friend. “We’re building plans for the 25th anniversary ofHaloand Xbox—we have such a rich heritage and history, and these communities have been active for so long, you have to celebrate that.”
Microsoft Teases Big Things for Halo’s 25th Anniversary
Microsoft celebrated Xbox’s 20th anniversary in style,surprise-droppingHalo Infinite’s multiplayer modeand sharing looks at its upcoming Series X console.Halo Infiniteushered in an exciting albeit different chapter for the franchise, planting players and Master Chief himself in a new open-world setting, something not seen before in the decades-spanning list of games.
Halo Infinitemarked a lot of firsts for the franchise, originally operating on a seasonal update cycle similar to other live service games likeFortniteandApex Legends.Halo Infinite’s multiplayer is completely free to play, another first for the series.Infinitecapped off 343 Industries' newHalotrilogy, with the studio taking over from Bungie beginning withHalo 4in 2012. Since then, 343 has led theHalobrand into new and exciting territory, with reports indicating that work on a rumoredHalo 7has begun.
Halo Infinite
WHERE TO PLAY
When all hope is lost and humanity’s fate hangs in the balance, the Master Chief is ready to confront the most ruthless foe he’s ever faced. Step inside the armor of humanity’s greatest hero to experience an epic open-world adventure and explore the massive scale of the Halo ring.With Network Campaign Co-Op and Mission Replay, you may relive your favorite moments, rediscover collectibles and explore the wonders of Zeta Halo on your own or with up to three other fireteam members.Experience Halo’s celebrated multiplayer reimagined and free-to-play! With over 70 maps in matchmaking, billions of customization configurations, and countless community Forge creations to experience, Halo Infinite is the franchise’s most expansive multiplayer offering to date.Enjoy an unprecedented variety of gameplay experiences, ranging from fast-paced intense ranked modes to whimsical mayhem in Custom Games, or even co-operative coordination in the wave-based survival mode Firefight: King of the Hill. Assemble your Fireteam and conquer every mode – Halo offers endless opportunities for teamwork, strategy, and unforgettable victories.
