Microsoft’s Iconic Halo Franchise Set to Debut on PlayStation for the First Time
In a historic shift for the gaming industry, Microsoft has announced that its flagship franchise Halo will make its debut on Sony’s PlayStation 5 next year – marking the first time the iconic series will appear on a rival console.
The upcoming release, titled Halo: Campaign Evolved, is a remake of the 2001 classic Halo: Combat Evolved, which originally launched alongside the first Xbox console. The new version will also be available on Xbox consoles, PC, and via Microsoft’s cloud streaming platform, allowing players to experience the game on mobile devices and tablets.
The move signals a major departure from the traditional “console war” model that defined much of modern gaming, where exclusive titles were key to driving hardware sales.
Once credited with helping Microsoft break into the gaming market, Halo became synonymous with the Xbox brand and its iconic protagonist, Master Chief. But despite its legacy, Microsoft has faced challenges in keeping up with hardware competitors. Industry data suggests Sony’s PlayStation 5 has outsold the Xbox Series X and S consoles by more than two to one worldwide, while Nintendo’s hybrid Switch has dominated global sales.
In response, Microsoft has been reshaping its gaming strategy – focusing less on exclusivity and more on accessibility. Its Game Pass subscription service already allows users to play hundreds of titles across devices for a monthly fee, reflecting the company’s vision of making games available “anywhere, on any device.”
For long-time fans, the decision to bring Halo to PlayStation has been met with a mix of surprise and excitement. “Combat Evolved was one of the first games I ever played,” said YouTuber and streamer Kara (@Eldeeable). “It’s massive news. It broke the internet a little bit.”
While some Xbox loyalists have criticised Microsoft for sharing its crown jewel with a rival platform, others see the move as a positive step toward uniting the gaming community. “It’s a win for all gamers,” Kara added.
Damon Conn, the game’s executive producer, echoed that sentiment, saying the goal is to introduce Halo to a new generation without losing its essence. “At its heart, Halo is about connection,” Conn said. “We’re thrilled to meet new players on their platforms of choice and let them fall in love with Halo the same way we did.”
Halo: Campaign Evolved is slated for release in 2026, marking a new chapter not just for the franchise – but for the future of cross-platform gaming.
