Halo Studios has confirmed that the iconic Halo franchise is preparing to cross a historic boundary, with a full remake of the original game set to launch on PlayStation 5. In an interview with GamesRadar+ on Monday (19), executive producer Damon Conn said the studio is focused on respecting the series’ legacy while introducing it to a new audience on Sony’s platform.
The project, titled Halo: Campaign Evolved, is positioned as a reimagining of the original Halo: Combat Evolved, which debuted in 2001 and introduced players to the Master Chief. The remake is timed to coincide with the franchise’s 25th anniversary, marking a symbolic moment for one of gaming’s most influential first-person shooters.
According to Conn, the move to PlayStation is not being treated lightly. “We want to honor the legacy of Halo on PlayStation, and we are laying the groundwork to expand our Halo universe — that’s how we see it,” he said. While the franchise has historically been synonymous with Xbox, Conn emphasised that the studio views this expansion as a way to strengthen Halo’s long-term future rather than dilute its identity.
Developed using Unreal Engine 5, Halo: Campaign Evolved is designed to balance nostalgia with accessibility. Halo Studios aims to satisfy longtime fans while also welcoming players who may be experiencing the series for the first time. A key element of that strategy is online cooperative play with full crossplay support, allowing PlayStation 5 players to team up seamlessly with the franchise’s existing community.
Conn noted that many players have never engaged deeply with first-person shooters, often due to platform limitations or lack of access. “We want to bring players back together,” he said. Creative director Max Szlagor echoed that sentiment, adding that the series thrives on scale: “Halo is best enjoyed when we have a large, healthy community.”
A Milestone in Xbox’s Multiplatform Shift
The arrival of Halo on PlayStation 5 reflects a broader shift in Microsoft’s gaming strategy. Xbox began experimenting with multiplatform releases in 2024, bringing select titles such as Hi-Fi Rush and Sea of Thieves to rival consoles. At the time, the decision sparked backlash from some longtime supporters who viewed exclusivity as central to the brand’s identity.
Internally referred to—according to industry rumours—as Project Latitude, the strategy has since proven financially viable. Xbox titles released on PlayStation platforms have reportedly posted strong sales over the past year, reinforcing Microsoft’s willingness to rethink traditional console boundaries.
Given Halo’s status as a flagship franchise—often compared to Mario’s role for Nintendo—the decision to release Halo: Campaign Evolved on PlayStation is widely seen as a landmark moment for the industry. More than a simple port, the remake represents a shift in how major publishers view exclusivity, community, and the long-term value of their most recognisable brands.
