They had the chance to let two of gaming’s most iconic, armored juggernauts go toe-to-toe and they said, "Nah, we’re good."
Video version
In the world of gaming, there are few crossovers that spark as much fan excitement as the potential meeting of two iconic powerhouses
We almost had that with Master Chief from Halo and Doom Guy from DOOM. As reported during a Collider Podcast
I just don't get it. Microsoft seems almost dead set on misaligning Halo with everything that games want lately. It reminds me of the time they released Halo Master Chief Collection in a state that was so bad it almost made AC Unity look ready for launch.
You can join us on the ACG reddit to discuss this more!
Halo Masterchief and Doomguy Secret Level Would have rocked!
The Secret Level series, a behind-the-scenes show designed to dive deep into videogame franchises sometimes as alternative worlds other times exploring game worlds already known,, seemed like the perfect playground for such a crossover. With Xbox owning both the Halo and DOOM franchises following the ZeniMax acquisition, the stars appeared aligned. Imagine the sheer chaos (and entertainment) of pitting Master Chief against the forces of Hell alongside Doom Guy.
But despite the compelling nature of such an episode, Xbox executives decided to pass on the idea. According to internal sources, while the proposal was floated, the decision ultimately came down to preserving the unique identities of both franchises. This was after the creators reached out to Microsoft to ask them for permission.
What could have been the videogame version of the Expendables has turned into another missed opportunity.
Protecting the Brand(s)
One of the primary reasons assumed by the Secret Level Creators, for shelving the idea was narrative integrity. Both Halo and DOOM have rich lore and distinct tones—Halo leans into epic space opera storytelling, while DOOM thrives on relentless, metal-fueled violence. Merging the two, while fun for fans, could blur the lines between the franchises and dilute their respective identities. Even the makers of Secret Level admitted that other companies had the same issues. For example, Valve turned down any attempts at the time for Half Life episodes as well.
What Fans Really Want
While Xbox's decision may be grounded in strategy, it highlights the growing appetite for more ambitious crossovers. Fans crave not just more content but creative and unexpected intersections between their favorite franchises.
The prospect of seeing Master Chief rip through demons with the Doom Slayer's chainsaw or Doom Guy wielding an Energy Sword is the kind of fantasy that drives engagement and passion in gaming communities.
Could It Happen One Day?
Never say never. The gaming landscape is ever-evolving, and with the rise of multiverses, live-service games, and crossover events, the barriers keeping Master Chief and Doom Guy apart might not last forever. For now, fans will have to settle for Doom Eternal and Halo Infinite existing side by side under the Xbox banner—but who knows what the future holds?
In the meantime, gamers can dream. After all, in the world of video games, the most outlandish ideas often become reality—eventually.
MS Handling of Halo is still troublesome
Microsoft has mishandled Halo for some time with issues concerning the Halo TV show, the canceled OTHER Halo TV show, Halo Infinite and its release where the games multiplayer wasn't established, and many more issues that continue to indicate that Microsoft doesn't know what to do with Halo.
My idea
And yet, here we are. Left wondering about what could have been, like staring at the last slice of pizza you swore you’d save, only to find someone else ate the god damned thing and then they spend the next hour telling you it wasn't worth it.
Microsoft's decision doesn’t kill Secret Level, though. Miller and Wilson are still diving into other game universes for the series. But man, this crossover would’ve been like the expendables of videogame lore testosterone-fueled awesomeness.
I
guess we’ll have to stick to imagining it in our heads – and let me tell you, in mine, Master Chief just punched a demon across the room, and Slayer nodded in respect then took an Elite and tore him apart to see why he couldn't fly magically.
Just think of what it could have been though.
Come on by the reddit to talk https://www.reddit.com/r/ACGVids/
Or join the ACG Patron where we have daily podcasts, behind the scenes discussion on games, inside baseball talk about reviewing and more.
コメント