Halo, Xbox Mark Milestone, Announce Celebration Plans

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 that significant celebratory plans are underway. This was revealed during a recent interview where the company also discussed its future business strategy, particularly its expansion into licensing and merchandising.

Expanding into Licensing and Merchandising

In an interview with License Global Magazine, John Friend, Xbox's head of consumer products, highlighted the company's impressive portfolio of franchises and its growing focus on licensing and merchandising. He specifically mentioned the upcoming 25th anniversaries of both Halo and the Xbox console, stating that Xbox is actively "building plans" for these milestones. While specifics remain undisclosed, Friend emphasized the importance of celebrating the rich history and active communities surrounding these iconic brands. He cited other major franchises like World of Warcraft, Call of Duty, and StarCraft as examples of properties with similar long-term community engagement requiring thoughtful anniversary celebrations.

Friend also stressed the importance of a tailored approach to each franchise, ensuring that any licensing or merchandising initiatives enhance the fan experience and foster further community growth. He used the phrase "no matching luggage" to illustrate this point, highlighting the need for unique strategies based on the individual characteristics of each property and its fanbase.

Halo, celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026, boasts a remarkable history, generating over $6 billion in revenue since its debut in 2001. Beyond its financial success, Halo: Combat Evolved holds a special place in Xbox history as the console's launch title. The franchise's influence extends beyond gaming, encompassing novels, comics, and the critically acclaimed Paramount+ TV series.

Halo 3: ODST's 15th Anniversary

In related news, Halo 3: ODST recently marked its 15th anniversary with a commemorative 100-second YouTube video. The video reflects on the game's impact and legacy, inviting fans to revisit their experiences as the Rookie.

Halo 3: ODST is currently available 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.