What Could Xbox Be Planning For Halo's Anniversary? They Have Plenty Of Options

halo, xbox

Time flies doesn't it? If I told you Halo was almost 25 years old you likely wouldn't believe me, but it's true. 2026 will mark 25 years of Halo, and thanks to a recent interview with License Global we know Xbox is already making plans for it's iconic franchise. What those plans are we don't yet know, but the timing of it makes it all the more fascinating.

"We're building plans for the 25th anniversary of Halo and Xbox "” we have such a rich heritage and history, and these communities have been active for so long, you have to celebrate that." said Microsoft’s head of Xbox gaming consumer products John Friend.

While the interview itself was more about merchandise, fun fact, the Halo franchise has generated 1.8 billion dollars in merchandise (non gaming) revenue, these plans will no doubt include the gaming side of things as well.

Xbox Next Launched With Halo Next?

When Xbox was getting set to release the Xbox Series S and X consoles in 2020 the focus was on launching it with Halo Infinite. Every chance Xbox got they talked about how they've never released Xbox hardware with a Halo game and how exciting it was for them to be able to have Infinite as a launch day exclusive. This was especially important for Phil Spencer, head of Xbox.

When will we next see Master Chief's next adventure?

Of course due to Covid and other reasons Halo Infinite was ultimately delayed and didn't come out with the Xbox Series S/X. Now with Halo's 25th anniversary coming in 2026, could we see them attempt to release not only a new Halo game, but the next Xbox console on or around the 25th anniversary? It certainly would make a lot of sense.

The general consensus is next gen will start in 2027, though I've stated many times on my social media that I think Xbox should jump the gun similar to they did with the Xbox 360 and release early. This anniversary comes with a perfect built-in opportunity to do so. While Infinite took a long time to develop a big part of that was building the new Slipspace Engine. Whether they use it again or go back to Unreal Engine remains to be seen, but the fact they have an engine in place will cut down on development time making 2026 a much easier target to hit for 343.

Not to mention the possibilities of limited edition Halo consoles and controllers. A controller is likely the safest bet here but I hope they go bold and try and launch Xbox Next with the next Halo

Halo Wars 3? Anniversary Games? An ODST Type Spin-Off?

Of course with a franchise as big as Halo there's plenty of options. There's been rumours of a Halo Combat Evolved remake out there for awhile and that could make some sense. What better way to celebrate Halo's existence than the game that started it all? And if this did exist would it ever go to PlayStation? I wouldn't think so but you just never know anymore when it comes to Microsoft and their plans for gaming.

Halo Wars hasn't been seen this generation, could we ever see a third?

Is it possible we also get a Halo Wars 3? The Halo Wars games aren't nearly as popular as the mainline games, but they certainly have a dedicated and passionate fanbase and it's not like they are small games no one played. Fans have been clamouring for a third in the series for awhile now and while this seems like a long shot, crazier things have happened. Xbox is constantly looking for content for its Game Pass subscription service and if someone came along willing, why wouldn't they consider it?

What about another type of spin-off? While ODST originally was met with so so reception it has become a bit of a cult classic as time as passed. While I don't think another ODST is in the cards the IP has plenty of options and they could go many different directions.

Regardless of what they end up doing I'm sure they will likely be doing whatever they can to return Halo to the top of the mountain in the first person shooter genre, and we can't wait to find out what it is.