Microsoft Brings Halo to PlayStation 5 for the First Time
Microsoft is set to make gaming history by releasing one of its most recognisable franchises on a rival console. For the first time, Halo — the legendary sci-fi shooter led by the armoured hero Master Chief — will arrive on Sony’s PlayStation 5 next year.
The upcoming release, titled Halo: Campaign Evolved, is a remake of the 2001 classic Halo: Combat Evolved. It will also be available on Xbox consoles, PC, and through Microsoft’s cloud streaming service for mobile devices and tablets.
The move marks a significant shift in Microsoft’s gaming strategy, signalling a departure from the long-standing tradition of keeping flagship titles exclusive to its own consoles.
The End of the Console Wars?
When Halo launched alongside the first Xbox in 2001, it helped cement Microsoft’s position in a gaming market dominated by Nintendo and Sony. Over the years, the company has grown into a major force in the industry, acquiring major studios such as Activision, the maker of Call of Duty, in a $69 bn (£56 bn) deal.
Despite these moves, Microsoft has struggled to match the sales success of its competitors. The PlayStation 5 is reported to have outsold the Xbox Series S and X consoles by more than two to one worldwide, while Nintendo’s hybrid Switch remains a best-seller.
In response, Microsoft has adopted a more platform-neutral strategy, promoting gaming «anywhere», from consoles and PCs to tablets and its new handheld device, the ROG Xbox Ally.
Central to this approach is Game Pass, a subscription service offering access to a large catalogue of titles for a monthly fee, mirroring the model of streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+.
Expanding the Halo Universe
While Halo has traditionally been seen as an Xbox-exclusive symbol, many fans have welcomed its expansion to new audiences.
Some Xbox loyalists have criticised Microsoft for sharing its iconic franchise with PlayStation users, but the move aligns with a broader industry trend. PlayStation has already ported titles like The Last of Us and Horizon to PC, while Nintendo has released mobile games featuring its characters.
The release of Halo: Campaign Evolved marks not only a revival of one of gaming’s most influential titles but also a defining moment in the evolution of how the world’s biggest franchises reach their audiences.
