Halo TV Show

When Microsoft originally announced that it would be unveiling the Xbox 360's successor, the masses figured the company would simply show off the new console (now officially known as Xbox One) and a handful of games. While news on something related to Halo was expected during the big event, Microsoft managed to shock everyone and announce that its sci-fi blockbuster franchise would be getting its own television series.

Following the success that 343 Industries had with its episodic Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn series, it was really only a matter of time before Microsoft took the appropriate steps to shift the Halo franchise over to a new medium. This is a monumental task, as many fans are likely well aware of after having their hopes for a feature length Halo film repeatedly dashed, but that's why Steven Spielberg has been brought on to get the project rolling.

In association with Dreamworks, Spielberg will be creating the Halo TV show and it'll be made available on the Xbox One, but there's no word yet if it'll be exclusive to Microsoft's new console or broadcast through other outlets. Xbox One users will have access to “premium” content in regards to the new show, which may mean anything from special features that are accessible with the new Kinect to paying for a season pass to watch each episode.

Halo TV Show Xbox One

Regardless of what Microsoft and 343 Industries have planned for franchise's transition to television screens, Spielberg did find time during the conference to briefly detail how passionate he is about the project.

“I wish I could be there with you today in person, but like all of you here today I’ve been playing games for decades. I even started playing Pong in 1974. And over the years that experience has exploded from the simple pixels of Pong to worlds that are as immersive as, and certainly more physically interactive than those portrayed on the silver screen. And those stories have gotten more compelling as technology has certainly improved."

“So for me, the Halo universe is an amazing opportunity to be at that intersection where technology and myth-making meet, to produce something really groundbreaking. I’m incredibly excited about the great journey we are all on, the heroes, worlds, and wonders that Halo will take us on.”

Hopefully Microsoft is serious about making its Halo television show available to the masses, because having it remain an Xbox One exclusive greatly reduces the number of fans that can watch it. Allowing more people to view it also strengthens the overall power of the brand — effectively opening it up to a whole new audience — so it just wouldn't make sense to strictly cater to the existing fan base.

The months leading up to E3 should prove to be interesting for Microsoft and its many followers, and those who would rather hear about a new Halo title (rather than a television series) may get just that next month. In the meantime, stay tuned to Game Rant for more details on the Halo television series.

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