Did Phil Spencer Dropped Hint of Halo: Combat Evolved Remaster Coming in 2026?

At the end of the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 livestream, the Microsoft Gaming CEO confirmed three major 2026 releases: a brand-new Fable, the next Forza, and what he called “the return of a classic that’s been with us since the beginning.” It’s worth noting that Tom Warren, from The Verge, first spotted it. Here’s a tweet from him.

That “classic” mention has fans locked in on one likely candidate: a full-blown remaster of Halo: Combat Evolved. The long-rumored project, reportedly built in Unreal Engine 5, could be the first time the original Halo makes its way to PlayStation hardware, signaling another major shift in Xbox’s multiplatform strategy.

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The comment also confirmed that Gears of War: E-Day will hit sometime next year, now with a window. But the Forza mention might’ve been the biggest stealth reveal. It’s the first time anyone’s acknowledged a new game in the series is coming, and right now, there’s no clarity on whether it’s Forza Horizon 6 or another motorsport-style release.

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Spencer framed it as a way to celebrate 25 years of Xbox, with a lineup aimed squarely at long-time fans. “I’m excited to share that players will get to celebrate 25 years of Xbox with a new Fable, the next Forza, Gears of War: E-Day, and the return of a classic that’s been with us since the beginning,” he said.

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If Halo really is coming back in a newly rebuilt form, the only question left is how far Microsoft’s willing to go with it. The Master Chief Collection already offers a remastered version of the original game, but a full Unreal Engine makeover might finally give Combat Evolved the modern upgrade fans have been hoping for.