Xbox and Halo Gear Up for 25th Anniversary Celebrations

With the 25th anniversary of both the original Halo game and the Xbox console fast approaching, Xbox has confirmed major celebratory plans are underway. This announcement came during a recent interview where the company also discussed its future business strategies.

Xbox's Expanding Licensing and Merchandising Efforts

Xbox is preparing extensive celebrations for Halo, the iconic military 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 significant milestones and its increasing focus on licensing and merchandising. This strategy mirrors the successful cross-media expansion seen with franchises like Fallout and Minecraft, which have expanded into television and film.

Friend revealed that Xbox is actively "building plans" for the 25th anniversary of both Halo and the Xbox console, stating, "We have these massive, fantastic franchises… 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." While specifics remain undisclosed, the scale of the planned celebrations is clearly significant.

Halo's 25th anniversary falls in 2026. The franchise has generated over $6 billion since the launch of Halo: Combat Evolved in 2001, a game that also marked the debut of the Xbox console on November 15, 2001. Beyond its commercial success, Halo's impact extends to various media, including novels, comics, and films, most notably the critically acclaimed Paramount+ TV series.

Friend emphasized a strategic approach to these celebrations, stating, "it’s important to assess a franchise and a community… and make sure that you’re designing a program that’s additive to fans and building fandom."

Halo 3: ODST's 15th Anniversary

Halo 3: ODST is currently 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.