Halo enthusiasts are eagerly looking forward to the Halo World Championships this week, anticipating fresh details about the next installment in the iconic series. A recent report has sent ripples through the community, suggesting that two new Halo games are slated for release in 2026, coinciding with the franchise’s 25th anniversary. Intriguingly, one of these titles is rumored to be a long-term live-service multiplayer experience, drawing comparisons to the popular structure of Fortnite.
According to Rebs Gaming, Halo Studios is actively developing a “live-service long-term updating multiplayer game” for Halo, with its online component being “like Fortnite.” The report offered limited specifics on gameplay mechanics but delved into the studio’s use of artificial intelligence in development. It claimed that “Generative AI is apparently woven into every aspect of development, such as enemy AI and terrain generation. I think what they’re mostly doing is that and then touching up the work with human hands. Also, developers are expected to meet similar or quicker deadlines and the only means to do so is through the use of AI, whether that’s mundane tasks like scheduling things or writing emails all the way up to actual game development.”
This particular detail about AI quickly gained traction and ignited a widespread discussion. Jez Corden, executive editor at Windows Central, swiftly responded to clarify the situation:
“Halo is not using generative AI in its game dev / art assets, etc. for its next game.
Microsoft has no mandate on studios to use generative AI for games.
I’m sure it’s being used for emails n shit like that but they’re not making a gen AI game here.”
— Jez Corden, October 19, 2025
Following Corden’s remarks and the ensuing debate, Rebs Gaming issued a clarification:
“Many people are misinterpreting what I reported as if it directly confirms AI is being used in all the wrong ways and Halo is doomed. I did NOT report that. I have begun reaching out to sources to figure out specifics about how Halo Studios is using generative AI. Also using AI…”
— Rebs Gaming, October 18, 2025
Among the speculated titles, a remake of the original Halo: Combat Evolved is highly anticipated for announcement at the World Championships. Virtuos, known for their work on The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, is reportedly working on that project with Halo Studios. While Halo: Combat Evolved received a remaster in 2011, this new iteration is said to utilize a hybrid engine combining Unreal Engine 5 with the Halo Reach Engine. What’s more, there’s a strong possibility this version could mark the first time a Halo game to hit PlayStation consoles.
Microsoft has previously confirmed that multiple Halo projects are in development. Fans should mark their calendars: Halo Studios is set to share major news about their upcoming title on Friday, October 24, at 1 PM PT / 4 PM ET during the Halo World Championships.
Additionally, the original article included a gallery featuring a ranked list of the best Halo FPS games.