Xbox and Halo Approach 25th Anniversary with Future Celebratory Plans Confirmed

With the 25th anniversary of the first Halo game and the Xbox console fast approaching, Xbox has confirmed upcoming celebrations. A recent interview also shed light on their future business strategies.

Xbox Confirms Grand Plans for Halo's 25th Anniversary

Expanding into Licensing and Merchandising

Xbox boasts ambitious plans to commemorate Halo's milestone, a franchise now under the wing of 343 Industries. In an interview with License Global Magazine, John Friend, Xbox's head of consumer products, discussed the company's achievements and its increasing focus on licensing and merchandising. This strategy mirrors their successful expansion of other franchises like Fallout and Minecraft into TV and film.

Friend revealed that Xbox is actively developing plans for the 25th anniversary of both Halo and the Xbox console. He highlighted the significance of celebrating these long-standing franchises and their dedicated communities. While specifics remain undisclosed, the commitment to a substantial celebration is clear. "We have these massive, fantastic franchises ranging from ‘World of Warcraft’ – celebrating its 20th anniversary this year – to ‘Halo,’ ‘Call of Duty,’ to ‘StarCraft’ and much more," Friend stated, emphasizing the rich history and active communities deserving of commemoration.

Halo's 25th anniversary falls in 2026. The franchise has reportedly generated over $6 billion since Halo: Combat Evolved launched in 2001. Beyond its commercial success, the original Halo holds immense importance as the Xbox console's launch title. The franchise's influence extends beyond gaming, encompassing novels, comics, and films, with the recent Paramount+ "Halo" TV series adding to its multi-media presence.

Friend stressed the importance of a tailored approach to each franchise, ensuring that any celebratory initiatives resonate with the fanbase and enhance their engagement. "I often use the phrase ‘no matching luggage,’" he explained, highlighting the need for strategic planning to build upon existing fandom.

Halo 3 ODST's 15th Anniversary

Meanwhile, Halo 3 ODST recently marked its 15th anniversary with a commemorative 100-second YouTube video, reminiscing about the game's impact and thanking fans.

Halo 3 ODST is 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.