Microsoft is set to release its flagship Halo series on PlayStation for the first time, with a remake of the original game titled Halo: Campaign Evolved scheduled for 2026. This landmark decision underscores Microsoft’s strategic pivot away from console exclusives towards a more inclusive, multi-platform approach to gaming.
The announcement came during the Halo World Championship 2025, where Microsoft revealed that Halo: Campaign Evolved will be a comprehensive remake of Halo: Combat Evolved, rebuilt from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5. The game will launch on Xbox Series X and S, PC via Steam and Xbox apps, and PlayStation 5, with support for Xbox Cloud Gaming, allowing play on mobile phones and tablets. It will be available at launch through Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, Microsoft’s subscription services.
Halo: Campaign Evolved promises to deliver the legendary campaign with significantly upgraded visuals, refined controls, and new features. Players can experience two-player split-screen co-op on consoles and up to four-player online co-op with cross-play and cross-progression. Additionally, the remake includes three new missions, an expanded arsenal of weapons and vehicles, and new enemies, enhancing the classic experience for modern audiences.
This move is a significant departure from traditional console wars, where exclusives like Halo were key to driving hardware sales. Microsoft has struggled to compete with Sony’s PlayStation 5, which has outsold Xbox Series X|S by more than two to one globally, and Nintendo’s Switch. By bringing Halo to PlayStation, Microsoft aims to tap into a larger player base and reinforce its service-oriented strategy, emphasizing Game Pass and cloud gaming.
The decision has generated diverse reactions from the gaming community. Some Xbox fans have expressed concerns about losing exclusivity, while others, like YouTuber Kara, celebrate the increased accessibility. Kara, who grew up with Halo, stated, “I know there’s a bit of controversy, but I don’t see any reason why it should be like that at all. I just think it’s a win for all gamers.” Executive producer Damon Conn echoed this sentiment, highlighting the goal of connecting with new players on their preferred platforms.
Microsoft’s shift mirrors broader industry trends, where exclusivity is becoming less common. Sony has released PC versions of games like The Last of Us and Horizon Zero Dawn, and Nintendo has ventured into mobile gaming. Microsoft’s recent $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard further demonstrates its commitment to expanding its gaming portfolio across multiple platforms.
Looking forward, the release of Halo on PlayStation could signal more cross-platform initiatives from Microsoft. As the company focuses on services and accessibility, the traditional boundaries between console ecosystems may continue to blur, potentially leading to a more unified gaming landscape where content takes precedence over hardware loyalty.