Microsoft Gaming Boss Phil Spencer Says Xbox Fans Will See More Movie and TV Show Adaptations, Despite the Failure of Halo — So What's Next?

Despite the underwhelming reception of the Halo TV series, Microsoft remains committed to adapting its video game properties for film and television. Microsoft gaming chief Phil Spencer confirmed this, stating that fans can expect more adaptations in the future. This announcement follows the upcoming release of Minecraft: The Movie, and the successful Fallout series on Prime Video. Spencer acknowledges the lessons learned from both Halo and Fallout, emphasizing that these experiences build confidence and inform future endeavors. He acknowledges some projects will inevitably fall short, but assures fans of continued efforts in this area.

The question now turns to which Xbox game will be adapted next. A live-action film and animated series based on Gears of War were announced by Netflix in 2022, though updates have been scarce beyond Dave Bautista’s expressed interest in the role of Marcus Fenix.

Upcoming Video Game Adaptations: 2025 and Beyond

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Speculation abounds. Given the success of Fallout, a The Elder Scrolls/Skyrim series on Prime Video seems plausible, though Amazon's existing fantasy offerings might make them less likely. The success of Sony's Gran Turismo film raises the possibility of a Forza Horizon movie from Microsoft. With Microsoft's ownership of Activision Blizzard, a Call of Duty film or a renewed attempt at a Warcraft adaptation are also strong contenders. Jason Schreier's book, Play Nice, details previously shelved Netflix projects for Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo; Microsoft could potentially revive these. A family-friendly adaptation of Crash Bandicoot is another possibility, mirroring the success of Mario and Sonic films. A film or series based on the upcoming 2026 Fable reboot is also an intriguing prospect. Finally, a rebooted Halo film remains a possibility.

In contrast, Microsoft's competitors, Sony and Nintendo, are further along in their adaptation efforts. Sony boasts successful adaptations like the Uncharted film, HBO's The Last of Us, and Twisted Metal. They've also announced projects based on Helldivers 2, Horizon Zero Dawn, and Ghost of Tsushima. A God of War TV series is already underway. Nintendo, meanwhile, has achieved massive success with The Super Mario Bros. Movie, with a sequel and a live-action Legend of Zelda adaptation in development.