With the 25th anniversary of the first Halo game and the Xbox console fast approaching, Xbox has confirmed celebratory plans are underway. This was revealed during a recent interview where the company also discussed its expanding business outlook, particularly in licensing and merchandising.
Xbox's Celebratory Plans for Halo's 25th Anniversary
Expanding into Licensing and Merchandising
Xbox is preparing major celebrations for Halo, the popular sci-fi shooter franchise developed by 343 Industries. In an interview with License Global Magazine, John Friend, Xbox's head of consumer products, highlighted the company's achievements and its increased focus on licensing and merchandising. This strategy mirrors the successful cross-media expansions seen with franchises like Fallout and Minecraft, which have been adapted into TV shows and movies.
Friend confirmed that Xbox is actively "building plans" for the 25th anniversary of both Halo and the Xbox console, acknowledging the rich history and engaged communities surrounding these properties. While specifics remain undisclosed, the commitment to a significant celebration is clear. He emphasized the importance of celebrating the longevity of these franchises, referencing other milestone anniversaries such as World of Warcraft's 20th.
Halo's 25th anniversary falls in 2026. The franchise has generated over $6 billion since the release of Halo: Combat Evolved in 2001, a game pivotal to Xbox's launch. Beyond financial success, Halo has expanded into novels, comics, films, and most recently, the critically acclaimed Paramount+ TV series.
Friend stressed the importance of a thoughtful approach to these celebrations, ensuring any plans enhance the fan experience and build upon existing fandom. He highlighted the breadth of Xbox's portfolio and the need for strategic planning.
Halo 3 ODST's 15th Anniversary
To mark the 15th anniversary of Halo 3 ODST, a commemorative 100-second video was released on YouTube, reflecting on the game's impact and legacy. The video is available on the Halo YouTube channel.
Halo 3 ODST remains playable on PC as part of Halo: The Master Chief Collection, which also includes Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, Halo: Reach, and Halo 4.
