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

With the 25th anniversary of both 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

Xbox Expands Licensing and Merchandising Efforts

Xbox has unveiled ambitious plans to commemorate the milestone anniversary of Halo, the acclaimed military sci-fi shooter franchise developed by 343 Industries. In a conversation with License Global Magazine, John Friend, Xbox's head of consumer products, discussed the company's achievements and its growing focus on licensing and merchandising. This strategy mirrors the successful cross-media expansion of other franchises like Fallout and Minecraft, which have seen adaptations into TV shows and movies.

Friend revealed that Xbox is actively developing plans for both Halo and the Xbox console's 25th anniversary, alongside other franchise milestones. He highlighted the breadth of their portfolio, including franchises like World of Warcraft, Call of Duty, and StarCraft, stating, "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." Specific details about these plans, however, remain undisclosed.

Halo's 25th anniversary falls in 2026. The franchise has reportedly generated over $6 billion since the launch of Halo: Combat Evolved in 2001. Beyond its commercial success, the original Halo holds immense significance for Xbox as its launch title on November 15, 2001. The franchise has expanded into novels, comics, and films, with the recent Paramount+ Halo TV series receiving critical praise.

Friend emphasized a strategic approach to these celebrations, stating, "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."

Halo 3: ODST's 15th Anniversary

Meanwhile, *Halo 3: ODST* recently marked its 15th anniversary with a commemorative 100-second YouTube video reflecting on the game's impact and legacy.

Halo 3: ODST is playable on PC via Halo: The Master Chief Collection, which also includes Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, Halo: Reach, and Halo 4.