Xbox Hints at Exciting Plans for Halo's 25th Anniversary

Microsoft is gearing up for a grand celebration of the iconic Halo franchise, hinting at significant festivities for its 25th anniversary. This milestone marks a major achievement for one of the most influential first-person shooter series in gaming history. In addition to Halo, Microsoft has ambitious plans for other beloved franchises like Call of Duty and StarCraft, but it appears particularly enthusiastic about what lies ahead for Halo.

Few games have had as profound an impact on the modern FPS genre as Halo. What began as Microsoft’s flagship title in 2001 with Halo: Combat Evolved quickly transformed into a global phenomenon, proving that both Microsoft and its Xbox console could thrive in a competitive gaming landscape. Combat Evolved also catapulted developer Bungie into the spotlight, paving the way for innovative developments within the Halo franchise over the next decade. The latest installment, Halo Infinite, is approaching its third anniversary after launching alongside the Xbox Series X in 2021, marking a new era for both Microsoft and the Halo brand. As the 25th anniversary approaches, Microsoft is eager to share its vision for the future of the franchise.

Both Halo and the original Xbox console will celebrate their 25th anniversaries in 2026, and Microsoft has a wealth of plans in the works for this significant occasion. John Friend, head of Xbox gaming consumer products, recently discussed the upcoming celebrations with License Global, emphasizing the importance of honoring this legacy. "We have massive, fantastic franchises, from World of Warcraft celebrating its 20th anniversary this year to Halo, Call of Duty, StarCraft, and more," Friend stated. "We’re crafting plans for the 25th anniversary of Halo and Xbox. With such a rich history and active communities, it's essential to celebrate this achievement."

Exciting Developments for Halo's Anniversary

Microsoft celebrated the 20th anniversary of Xbox in style, making a surprise announcement of Halo Infinite's multiplayer mode and showcasing its upcoming Series X console. This installment marked a thrilling new chapter for the franchise, introducing players and Master Chief to a vast open-world setting, a first for the decades-old series.

Halo Infinite introduced several groundbreaking elements, operating on a seasonal update model akin to popular live-service games like Fortnite and Apex Legends. The multiplayer component is completely free to play, marking another first for the franchise. This title concluded 343 Industries' new Halo trilogy, a journey that began with Halo 4 in 2012, as the studio took over from Bungie. Reports suggest that work is already underway on a potential Halo 7, promising even more exciting developments for the series in the future.

With the 25th anniversary on the horizon, fans are eager to see what Microsoft has planned to honor this beloved franchise and its legacy.