Microsoft's Halo Remake Breaks Xbox Exclusivity, Launches on PlayStation
On July 28, Microsoft will launch Halo: Campaign Evolved, a complete remake of the 2001 classic, available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. This release signifies the first mainline Halo title to appear on a console other than Xbox, breaking a 25-year exclusivity period. The remake boasts enhanced graphics, improved audio, and refined gameplay. It has received acclaim from critics, with Polygon describing it as "one of the best remakes of all time." This move illustrates Microsoft's transition away from console exclusivity, initiated by former CEO Phil Spencer due to high development expenses and disappointing sales of the Xbox One and Series X|S. The company began making Xbox games available on competing platforms two years ago, aiming for completion by 2026. Asha Sharma, the new CEO, has suggested a mixed approach for upcoming releases.
Key facts
- Halo: Campaign Evolved releases July 28 on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
- First mainline Halo game available on a non-Xbox console.
- Remake of the 2001 original with rebuilt graphics, audio, and updated mechanics.
- Polygon called it 'one of the best remakes of all time.'
- Kotaku compared playing Halo on PlayStation to 'dipping grapes in ketchup.'
- Microsoft began releasing Xbox titles on rival platforms two years ago.
- Former CEO Phil Spencer pushed for ending exclusivity due to high costs and poor console sales.
- New CEO Asha Sharma announced some future titles will remain Xbox exclusives.
- Halo was developed by Bungie and became Xbox's flagship exclusive in 2001.
- Gears of War remake and Forza Horizon 6 also released on PlayStation 5.
- IGN called the move 'the last nail in the coffin of Xbox exclusives.'
- BBC said the situation would have been 'inconceivable' to 2001 gamers.
Entities
Artists
- Phil Spencer
- Sarah Bond
- Asha Sharma
- Chris Dring
Institutions
- Microsoft
- Xbox
- PlayStation
- Nintendo
- Bungie
- Sega
- Atari
- Sony
- Activision Blizzard
- ZeniMax Media
- Polygon
- Video Games Chronicle
- Kotaku
- IGN
- BBC
- Federal Trade Commission
- Xbox Studios
- PlayStation Store
Locations
- United States
- Seattle
- California