Xbox's Halo franchise jumps to PlayStation after 25 years with Halo: Campaign Evolved

Microsoft’s flagship Halo franchise will debut on PlayStation 5 in 2026, marking one of the most significant console exclusivity reversals in gaming history. The tech giant will release "Halo: Campaign Evolved," a complete remake of the 2001 original that helped establish Xbox as a console powerhouse.The remake features rebuilt graphics using Unreal Engine 5, enhanced gameplay with sprint mechanics, and nine additional weapons from across the series. The game will support four-player online co-op and two-player split-screen, with cross-play functionality across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

No multiplayer, but new story content

Notably absent is competitive multiplayer—a core element of Halo's identity since its inception. Instead, developers focused resources on three entirely new prequel missions featuring Master Chief and Sgt.

Johnson, set before the original campaign's events."Our biggest competition isn't another console," said Matt Booty, president of Xbox game content and studios. The statement reflects Microsoft's strategic pivot toward maximising software revenue following disappointing Xbox Series X|S hardware sales and major studio acquisitions totalling over $76 billion.

Xbox's platform transition accelerates

The Halo announcement follows other former Xbox exclusives reaching PlayStation this year, including Gears of War and Forza Horizon 5.

Between April and July, six of the top 10 best-selling games on PlayStation were Microsoft properties.Market analyst Joost van Dreunen noted Xbox Series X|S has sold approximately 32 million units compared to about 80 million PlayStation 5 consoles, underscoring the business rationale behind Microsoft's multiplatform approach.For 25 years, Halo has been synonymous with Xbox, with the original game launching alongside the first Xbox console in November 2001. Pierre Hintze, head of Halo Studios, called this "a new era for Halo," emphasizing the goal to reach players across all platforms.The game will be available day one on Xbox Game Pass, with pricing yet to be announced.