Microsoft Celebrates Iconic Duo's Milestone

As the first Halo game and Xbox console approach their silver anniversary, Xbox has confirmed that plans are indeed in store, with the company additionally delving into their business outlook for the future in a recent interview.

Xbox Confirms Plans Are In Store for Halo's Quarter-Century AnniversaryXbox Talks Expansion Into Licensing and Merchandising

Xbox highlighted its grand celebratory arrangements for Halo, the renowned military sci-fi shooter game series presently managed by the Xbox-owned developer 343 Industries. During a recent interview with License Global Magazine, Xbox's head of consumer commodities John Friend addressed the milestones achieved by the company and its IPs, along with licensing and merchandising—a sector that Xbox and parent company Microsoft have prioritized. Lately, the company has gained recognition for expanding its game franchises, such as Fallout and Minecraft, which have experienced cross-media expansions through TV and movie adaptations.

In the interview, Friend disclosed that Xbox is "formulating plans" for Halo and the Xbox console's approaching 25th anniversary, among other initiatives they've targeted as other franchises approach milestones. "We possess these colossal, extraordinary franchises spanning from ‘World of Warcraft’ –commemorating its 20th anniversary this year – to ‘Halo,’ ‘Call of Duty,’ to ‘StarCraft’ and much more," Friend added, "We’re formulating plans for the 25th anniversary of ‘Halo’ and Xbox—we possess such a profound legacy and history, and these communities have remained active for so long, it’s imperative to celebrate that." However, the specifics of these plans were kept confidential.

Halo celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026. The military sci-fi franchise has reportedly raked in over $6 billion since the first game —Halo: Combat Evolved—debuted in 2001. Apart from the commercial and financial successes the franchise has provided, the first Halo game holds great significance for Xbox as it served as the launch game for the Xbox console on November 15, 2001. Over the years, Halo has been adapted into different forms of media, ranging from novels to comic books, and films. Most recently, Halo has found critical acclaim as Paramount+'s "Halo" TV series—an original adaptation for the streaming platform.

"I often use the phrase ‘no matching luggage,’" Friend commented. "Meaning that it’s important to assess a franchise and a community based on who they are and what that franchise is and make sure that you’re designing a program that’s additive to fans and building fandom, both for that group and for that franchise. We have an incredibly broad and exciting portfolio to work with, but we’ve got to be smart."

Halo 3 ODST Celebrates 15th Anniversary

In related news, Halo 3: ODST recently celebrated its fifteenth anniversary. The game uploaded a one-minute-and-forty-second clip on YouTube looking back on the past fifteen years since fans "dropped feet first into hell as the Rookie, on a mission to find Alpha-Nine," the Halo team wrote out. "Happy Birthday, Halo 3: ODST!"

Halo 3: ODST is available to be played on the PC as an installment in Halo: The Master Chief Collection, a collection of games in the Halo series. To date, the collection includes Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, Halo: Reach, and Halo 4.