Halo
News, coverage and analysis tracking Halo across the outlets.
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Microsoft needs to answer a simple question: what is the point of Xbox?
The article questions the current purpose and direction of Microsoft's Xbox brand, contrasting its current struggles with the influential era of the Xbox 360. It discusses the impact of Game Pass, the challenges of competition with Sony, and the potential role of AI and new hardware like Project Helix. The piece suggests Xbox lacks a clear identity and a compelling vision for the future of gaming.
28-Year Xbox Veteran Kiki Wolfkill Leaves The Company In A "Difficult But Exhilarating Decision"
Kiki Wolfkill, a 28-year veteran at Microsoft and Xbox, has departed the company. Wolfkill held various significant roles, including executive producer on Halo 4 and head of Xbox film and TV, and was instrumental in the Halo franchise's development and transmedia efforts. Her departure comes amidst reported internal issues at 343 Industries, though no direct connection to Wolfkill was specified.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Rating Spotted Online
A rating for Halo: Campaign Evolved has appeared in South Korea, suggesting an official announcement is imminent. Leaks point to a July 28 release for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, with early access on July 23. The game is reportedly content complete, featuring a skin system without an in-game shop and weapon customization, and is expected to launch in 2026.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Rated in South Korea, Further Fueling Release Date Announcement Rumors
Halo: Campaign Evolved has reportedly been rated by South Korea's Game Rating and Administration Committee, fueling rumors of an upcoming release announcement. The game is allegedly scheduled for a July 28th launch, with early access starting July 23rd. This potential new entry in the Halo franchise is rumored to feature new factions and prequel missions focusing on Master Chief and Sgt. Johnson.
Halo dev accusing the studio of harassment fights "devs hate Halo" theories in tell-all post: "No one works a 60- or 80-hour week out of spite"
A former Halo art director, Glenn Israel, has addressed fan theories about developers disliking the franchise amidst his harassment allegations against 343 Industries. Israel stated that the studio primarily hired fans and that the narrative issues in games like Halo 4 stemmed from an over-reliance on deep lore rather than developer spite.
White House uses Wii Sports to promote Iran War and Japan is not happy
The White House has faced criticism, including from Japan's Foreign Minister, for using copyrighted video game footage, specifically from Wii Sports, in propaganda videos promoting military operations. Nintendo has remained silent, though other companies like Microsoft have also seen their games used in similar contexts without comment. The article also touches on politicians using video game metaphors in public addresses.
Marathon Review – What did we extract from its first month and Season 1?
Bungie's new extraction shooter, Marathon, offers a challenging and rewarding experience for dedicated players, differentiating itself with unique Runner Shells and a deep narrative. The game features slick movement and gunplay, but a short time-to-kill and complex item management can be punishing. Its seasonal reset system aims to maintain competitiveness by wiping player progression, a bold move for the live service genre.
Is Nintendo Holding Your Pokemon Champions Experience H... | TAG
Pokémon Champions on Nintendo Switch does not require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play online battles, though optional paid memberships offer extra features. Separately, Overwatch's Switch version is awaiting a 60 FPS fix, director Zach Cregger is working on a new sci-fi film, and Marty O’Donnell has received a surprising political endorsement. Additionally, Star Trek: Resurgence is being delisted, Elden Ring movie casting rumors are circulating, and Grand Theft Auto Online's financial leaks surprisingly boosted Take-Two's stock. PlayStation 5 sales have surged in the US, Horizon Zero Dawn is reportedly coming to PlayStation Plus Extra, and classic Warhammer games are now on Steam. Finally, giving away Graveyard Keeper for free led to significant DLC sales, and the unique game Mouse: PI For Hire is gaining attention.
Trump endorses former Halo composer, Marty O’Donnell as he aims for seat in Nevada
Former Bungie composer Marty O’Donnell, known for his work on the Halo franchise, is running for a congressional seat in Nevada. He has received an endorsement from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who praised O'Donnell's music and 'America First' stance. O'Donnell previously ran in 2024 and is considered a contender in the swing district.
Halo composer Marty O'Donnell welcomes Trump endorsement in Nevada Congress race, despite previous statements that…
Former Halo composer Marty O'Donnell, running for Nevada's 3rd Congressional District, has received an endorsement from Donald Trump. Trump praised O'Donnell as a "World-Class Composer and Entrepreneur" in a Truth Social post. O'Donnell, who previously worked on games like Halo and Destiny, stated he is honored by the President's support.
Trump Endorses Halo Composer
Marty O'Donnell, the composer famous for his work on Halo and Destiny, has received an endorsement from Donald Trump for his congressional campaign. O'Donnell is seeking to represent New York's 1st congressional district.
Xbox Is Reportedly Having "Very Big Discussions" About Exclusivity
Microsoft is reportedly engaged in significant internal discussions regarding the exclusivity of its Xbox titles. While the company has recently expanded its reach by bringing games like Forza Horizon to PlayStation, there is ongoing debate about whether to prioritize being an ecosystem or a publishing company. This could potentially lead to certain single-player games being locked to the Xbox platform in the future, though major franchises like Call of Duty are unlikely to become exclusive.
Xbox co-creator is more interested in Switch 3 than Project Helix because Nintendo hardware is "at least really interesting and cool, even when it fails"
Xbox co-creator Seamus Blackley expresses more excitement for Nintendo's and Valve's future hardware, like the potential Switch 3, than for Microsoft's rumored 'Project Helix' hybrid console. He finds the concept of a combined console-PC device uninspired and prefers the clear content identity of Nintendo's platforms, citing the appeal of exclusive titles like The Legend of Zelda. Blackley suggests that a lack of understanding of gaming's hit-driven nature and executive insecurity are leading Xbox away from compelling exclusive games.
New Xbox boss keeps saying all the right things as Game Pass price drop teased
New Xbox head Asha Sharma is reportedly considering a return to console exclusives and a potential price drop for Xbox Game Pass. Sharma has acknowledged fan demand for exclusives and stated that Game Pass has become too expensive, suggesting a need for better value. Discussions about exclusivity are ongoing internally, despite recent successes with multiplatform releases like Forza Horizon 5 and Indiana Jones And The Great Circle.
Rumour: Xbox Debating Whether to Make Its Games Exclusive Again
Microsoft is reportedly debating whether to revert to making its games exclusive to Xbox consoles and PC. This internal discussion comes as the company evaluates its brand strategy and the potential launch of 'Project Helix'. While releasing games on PlayStation and Nintendo Switch has increased revenue, executives are considering the impact of exclusivity on their own platform's appeal.
Microsoft is Having Discussions About Xbox Exclusives, Ecosystem and Publishing – Rumor
Microsoft executives are reportedly engaged in significant discussions regarding the future of Xbox, including its exclusivity strategy, ecosystem approach, and publishing model. These conversations are prompted by concerns over the rising cost of Game Pass and the desire to define Xbox's identity as either an ecosystem-first or publisher-first company. Internal memos suggest a need to re-evaluate Game Pass's value proposition for players and explore more flexible system designs.
Call Of Duty's Iconic Ghost Shows Up In New Fanta Ad, Making People Wonder About 2026's Call Of Duty
The character Ghost from Call of Duty has appeared in a new Fanta advertisement as part of an Xbox promotion, leading to speculation about the 2026 Call of Duty title, rumored to be Modern Warfare 4. The promotion includes specially designed Fanta cans with in-game bonuses for various Xbox franchises, including Call of Duty and Halo. Separately, Xbox Game Pass has seen price increases, with discussions about its value and the inclusion of future Call of Duty titles.
Former Xbox exec regrets not securing Final Fantasy on the console, says Square Enix "wanted Sony to have competition but couldn't be too overt"
Former Xbox executive Ed Fries expressed regret over not securing more Final Fantasy titles for the original Xbox, stating that Square Enix wanted to provide competition for Sony but was hesitant to be too overt. He explained that Japanese publishers feared repercussions from Sony if they supported Xbox too strongly. Despite these challenges, Xbox eventually secured some Square Enix titles and key exclusives like Halo.
Xbox exec who brought Bungie into Microsoft says it's "weird" to see Sony own the creators of Halo: "It was so weird to launch Marathon and see a PlayStation logo"
Former Xbox executive Ed Fries expressed his surprise at seeing Bungie, the creators of Halo, now owned by Sony and developing the game Marathon for PlayStation. Fries, who was instrumental in Microsoft's original acquisition of Bungie 26 years ago, found it surreal to play Marathon on his Xbox and see a PlayStation logo. He admitted he would not have believed this trajectory for Bungie if told 25 years prior.
Veteran artist behind Mass Effect, Halo, and Overwatch 2 weighs in on Nvidia DLSS 5
A veteran artist involved with Mass Effect, Halo, and Overwatch 2 has shared concerns regarding Nvidia's DLSS 5 technology. The discussion centers on how AI-driven rendering impacts artistic authorship and visual control, raising questions about the ownership of the final image.