Microsoft’s Xbox is gearing up for The Game Awards with 10 nominations and exciting plans for the second season of its “Fallout” TV series on Amazon. As the company approaches its 25th anniversary in 2026, there are major developments and announcements on the horizon.
Matt Booty, Microsoft’s president of game content and studios, expressed his excitement for the recognition and success of Microsoft titles over the past year. He highlighted the company’s focus on delivering quality games consistently and ensuring a strong lineup of titles for players to enjoy. The Game Awards, known for its blend of awards and game announcements, is the perfect platform for Microsoft to showcase its achievements.
While Microsoft has some surprises in store for The Game Awards, including the announcement that the Xbox exclusive “South of Midnight” will be launching on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 next spring, there is even more to look forward to in 2026. Booty teased that Xbox Game Studios has a plethora of new releases planned for the upcoming year, with some announcements being reserved for Xbox’s Dev Direct presentation in January.
Among the highly anticipated releases in 2026 are new installments of popular franchises such as “Fable,” “Forza Horizon 6,” “Gears of War: E-Day,” and “Halo: Campaign Evolved.” Notably, “Halo” will be making its debut on PlayStation devices for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the iconic series.
As Xbox prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary, Booty emphasized the brand’s rich history and the upcoming milestones for key franchises. With the 40th anniversary of Bethesda, the 35th anniversary of Blizzard, and the 30th anniversary of “Diablo,” 2026 promises to be a standout year for Xbox and its iconic games.
Reflecting on the year 2025, Microsoft faced challenges with the launch of “Call of Duty: Black Ops 7,” which saw a softer release compared to previous installments. Despite this, the game remains a top performer on Xbox’s Game Pass service, showcasing the enduring popularity of the franchise. Microsoft announced a shift in its “CoD” strategy to avoid consecutive releases from the same series, indicating a commitment to delivering diverse gaming experiences to players.
Looking ahead, Microsoft is optimistic about the future of “Call of Duty” and the potential for continued success through ongoing content updates and seasonal releases. The company recently revealed plans for the first-ever “Call of Duty” movie, signaling a new chapter for the beloved franchise in the entertainment industry.
With an exciting lineup of games and projects in the works, Microsoft’s Xbox is poised for a memorable 25th anniversary year in 2026. Fans can expect a wealth of new experiences and announcements as the company continues to push the boundaries of gaming innovation. “And I think that just speaks to the quality of the content that our teams are creating. And I think it’s a really good thing for us to be able to share that content with as many players as possible. I think we can see that we’re going to continue to invest in trying to get our games into as many hands as possible, whether it’s on different platforms, different devices, different ways to play. I think that’s really the focus for us, is just continuing to bring great content to players wherever they are.”
Booty’s focus on expanding the reach of Xbox games to different platforms aligns with Microsoft’s overall strategy of making gaming more accessible to a wide audience. With the recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Microsoft has gained even more popular franchises and IPs to potentially bring to a broader audience.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve and grow, it’s clear that Microsoft is positioning itself as a key player in the future of entertainment. With projects like the “Call of Duty” movie in the works and a commitment to delivering quality content to players across various platforms, it’s an exciting time for both Microsoft and the gaming community as a whole. The recent announcement of the remastered version of ‘Halo’ has sparked excitement among fans and players alike. As Bonnie Ross, head of 343 Industries, stated, this announcement serves as validation for the teams involved in creating the game. It also presents an opportunity for more players to engage with the content and immerse themselves in the world of ‘Halo’.
Ross expressed her enthusiasm for the ‘Halo’ community’s reaction to the announcement, particularly during the ‘Halo’ championship series event in downtown Seattle. The presence of dedicated ‘Halo’ superfans at the convention center showcased the passion and excitement surrounding the franchise. The demos of the remastered version on the show floor further fueled the excitement and anticipation for the upcoming release.
The focus on accessibility and inclusivity in gaming is evident in the efforts to bring more fans into the world of ‘Halo’. By expanding the reach of the game and making it more accessible to a wider audience, 343 Industries aims to create a more engaging and immersive experience for players. The positive results and feedback from the community reinforce the importance of creating content that resonates with fans and attracts new players to the franchise.
Overall, the ‘Halo’ announcement serves as a testament to the dedication and passion of the teams involved in creating the game. It also highlights the importance of engaging with fans and creating content that resonates with a diverse audience. With the remastered version set to captivate players old and new, the future looks bright for the ‘Halo’ franchise.
